Col. James A. Donovan ’39 Passes Away
By Michael C. Russell | Sunday, June 8, 2008
Col. James Adam Donovan ’39 , whom Review readers have known for years as a contributor of cartoons and drawings to the paper, passed away on May 27, 2007 at his home in Sandy Springs, GA. A lifelong artist and cartoonist, Donovan was an Art major at the College where he participated in a myriad of activities. From his time at Dartmouth he demonstrated tremendous leadership ability, having served as president of Alpha Delta Phi, treasurer of the Green Key Society, and editor of the Jack-O-Lantern. He was also a member of the Inter-Fraternity Council and Casque and Gauntlet.
After Dartmouth, Donovan enlisted in the US Marine Corps to serve his country during World War II and served with the 2nd Marine Division in the South Pacific. He spent the war fighting in important battles throughout the Pacific, including the Battle of Guadalcanal in addition to numerous others, during which he was awarded the Bronze and Silver Stars. Starting as a platoon leader, Donovan advanced through the ranks, ending the war as executive officer of the 1st Battalion. Following the war Donovan became editor of Leatherneck, a magazine for members of the Marine Corps, before he returned to active service in Korea. After Korea he continued the rest of twenty three year service in various bases around the office before he retired in November 1963 as a full-bird colonel. Later he became publisher of the Army, Navy, Air Force Journal before moving to Atlanta where he became a research scientist and head of public relations at the Engineering Experiment Station at Georgia Tech until 1980.
A proud alumnus of Dartmouth College, Donovan ’39 devoted his life to service, both to his college and his country. He is survived by his wife of fifty seven years, Kay, two daughters, two grandchildren, and his sister. The Dartmouth Review extends its condolences to the family of our inimitable cartoonist and supporter.
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