James F. Donovan, 78, of Bedford, died suddenly on May 1, 2022.

He was the son of the late James W. and Katherine (Murphy) Donovan. After his mother died when he was a young boy, his father married Mildred (Cushing) Donovan who raised Jim as if he were her own son.

When Jim was 13, the family moved to Lexington, and he began attending Muzzey Junior High School, where he met his future wife, Pauline Cacciola.

He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1966-1968 and was honorably discharged and awarded a Purple Heart.

Following his service, Jim began working the Town of Lexington Department of Public Works and then began working at the Lexington Fire Department. Jim was passionate about his work at the fire department, often working 60-70 hours a week and always willing to go out on calls. He retired in 2005 after working for the Town of Lexington for a total of 37 years.

Jim enjoyed his retirement and loved target practice. He was a member of the Harvard, Woburn and Shirley Gun Clubs. He would go out for breakfast frequently with other retirees which was more about the socialization than breakfast for Jim. He had "the gift of gab" and would relish in making conversation with people. He especially loved talking to and teaching his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Pauline (Cacciola) Donovan, his loving children and their spouses, Richard Wass and his partner Susan Jackson of Cambridge, Stephen Wass and his wife Robyn of Union, CT, Courtney Jones and her husband Brendan of Lexington and Michael James Donovan of Bedford and his beloved grandchildren, Stephen, Nicole, Kaya, Donovan, Emmy and Sally.

Visitation will be held at the Bedford Funeral Home, 167 Great Rd., Bedford, on Monday, May 9, from 10:00-11:00 AM, followed by a funeral Mass at 11:30 AM, in the E.N. Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital Chapel, 200 Springs Rd., Bldg. 81, Bedford. Interment will be at Shawsheen Cemetery, Shawsheen Rd., Bedford.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to E.N. Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, 200 Springs Rd., Bedford, 01730.