James R. Donovan, 88, of Dwight, Illinois, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2022 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Kankakee, Illinois surrounded by his loving family. James was born on April 23, 1934 in Saunemin, Illinois to Timothy and Agnes (Nelson) Donovan. He graduated from Dwight High School in 1952. James worked at Caterpil-lar in Joliet for nine years and later became a butcher for over 30 years in the Dwight and Morris area. James was a great family man and a loving father. He married the love of his life Betty (Hagi) Donovan in 1954, and together they had three children, including David, who died in infancy. He was the proud Grandpa of his four grandchildren and proud Great-grandpa of six. James was an active man who loved being outdoors. He enjoyed mowing lawns on his John Deere tractor, and watching sports, such as the Chicago Bears and the Fighting Illini. He was an avid Cubs fan since the age of six, when he started following the Cubs in the newspaper. He also loved country music. James played guitar and sang in his weekend band of over 40 years. His family and friends will remember him as a gentle, kind, and giving man who would “call it as he sees it.” James is survived by his wife, Betty Donovan; children: Larry (Karen) Donovan of Dwight, Illinois, and Donna (Steve) Williams of China Spring, Texas; Grandchildren: Danielle (Eric) DiSilvestro, Ryne (Maggie) Donovan, Lyndsay Donovan, and Vanessa (Austin) Villarreal. Also surviving are his Great-grandchildren: Lexi and Brayden Donovan, Carys and Remy DiSilvestro, and Kylie and Tatum Villarreal; many special nieces and nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; son; four brothers; six sisters; and numerous special friends and family members. An online guestbook has been created for the family, which you may sign, share memories and photographs. You may visit our website at www.ucdaviscallahan.com. Arrangements have been entrusted with the U.C. Davis-Callahan Funeral Home, 301 West Washington Street, Morris, Illinois 60450.