James Henry Donovan passed away at the Sudbury Pines Extended Care Facility, on March 13, 2012, at the age of 81. Mr. Donovan was born in East Boston on September 10, 1930 to the late Timothy and Susan (Bradley) Donovan. He was raised in East Boston and graduated from Boston College High School, Boston College and Boston College Law School. James entered the US Navy on August 15, 1953 and served his country proudly during the Korean War being discharged as a LTJG on July 27, 1955. After his discharge from the US Navy, Mr. Donovan practiced law in Boston prior to starting the law practice of James H. Donovan, Attorney at Law, in Melrose, which he ran for over 35 years, retiring at the age of 72. James was a resident of Melrose for over 45 years, a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association, a former member of the Melrose Kiwanis Club and Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Wakefield. He was a longtime blood donor for the American Red Cross, an avid reader and particularly enjoyed books about WWII. James was the loving father of Neil J. Donovan and his wife Kari of NC, Susan D. Lynch and her husband Richard of Sudbury, Thomas R. Donovan of VA and Frances M. Donovan and her husband Mike Okimoto of CA. Brother of Timothy F. Donovan and his wife Pat of Quincy. Grandfather of Haley, Meaghan, Brian, James, Stephen, Hope, Sean and Lauren. Former husband of Nancy (Donohue) Donovan. Visiting hours will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose, on Monday March 19th, from 4:00-8:00PM. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Ignatius of Loyola Church at Boston College, 28 Commonwealth Ave., Chestnut Hill, on Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at 10AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose with military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pine Street Inn, 444 Harrison Ave. Boston, MA 02118.