James Donovan (22 Feb 1942 - 4 Sep 2018)

Missing you Jimbo x

Donation sent in loving memory of James Donovan

Donation sent in loving memory of James Donovan💕

My thoughts are with you and your family. Jim was a wonderful man. K x

We were so happy when we got to see you in person at the 2013 family reunion in Toronto. We knew that it was going to be challenge for you to make the trip, but the stars aligned and you were able to grace us with your presence. Aidan and Candice finally got to meet & spend some time with Uncle Jim. You were your usual self, kind, gentle, caring, but also full of jokes and laughs. Although the time was short, your warm and friendly nature left a lasting impression with the both of them. Your kind hearted nature was genuine and you made those who were around you feel comfortable.

As a child I had met you several times when you and Aunt Jo visited our family in Cornwall, however, the first time I really got to know you was during the Summer of ’93. You had opened your home to me and I was able to spend my school break abroad with you, Aunt Jo and Des. Admittedly I was filled with excitement, curiosity but also with dread. Excitement and curiosity over the new experiences that were before me and dread that I was leaving my home for the first time not knowing if I would be consumed with being home sick. It was a relief to know that while I was far away from home, you helped me feel as though I was returning home to family.

You went out of your way to plan special excursions so that I could take in the sights and sounds of Great Britain. A couple of highlights included visiting Edinburgh castle, a B&B stay in Brighton and a drive through London (where you pointed out where MI5 was – for a time I convinced myself you could have been a former international undercover spy…lol). You also took the time to expose me to the world of British comedy…I remember sitting front of the TV with Des, Aunt Jo and yourself watching the comedy stylings of Jasper Carrot and his hilarious comedic review of the week’s compilation of funny ads from around the world. (wow…pre-Youtube!!). Lastly, the best memory came during the last week while I was there. I had been asking for weeks what Yorkshire pudding? You would always respond with a vagueness that wasn’t out of annoyance, but one that was cheeky so that I kept wanting to know more. Without Google to answer my questions, something so trivial turned into an obsession find out what this was. One of the last dinners we had at your home, you had cooked up a delicious roast and prepared a couple of sides. But what stood out on the table was a pile of golden brown soufflés that complemented the night’s dinner. You had waited until the last moment to reveal the last surprise…Yorkshire Pudding! Hahaha

I’ll always be grateful for that Summer spent abroad in the UK. I will sorely miss the random jokes you would share with me over Facebook. While I regret not being able to have one last chat with you, I’m glad that we were able to cross paths in this short time we have on this earth. I’ll be sure to tell Charlie about you and hopefully through stories he’ll come to know who you were...a gentle, kind and caring man.

We’ll miss you Uncle Jim.
Aidan, Candice, Adrian and Charlie.

Remembering our beloved Jim, Jimbo, Gung Gung & Yeh Yeh Jim means...
Seeing his charismatic smile,
Listening to his witty jokes and political commentary,
Laughing with him when he spoke Cantonese,
Being touched by his sweet kindness, generosity, and thoughtfulness.
But most of all
Attesting to his unwavering love and devotion to his bride, Josephine.
Our beloved Jimbo RIP and may you remain in our hearts forever young, humorous, steadfast, and loving. We love you always.

Jim was the most loving family member one could ever ask for . He was a man with integrity , humorous and affectionate. His smiles always brighten up the room and his humorous texts always bring joyful tears to us all . The angels in heaven took him away from us a little too soon . They need him there to spread the laughters, the joy , the jokes as much as he had offered to us. Jim will live on forever in all of our hearts and never be forgotten . Heaven is celebrating having Angel Jim ...