Senator James H. Donovan served his district longer than any other state legislator. He was committed to helping to raise the level of education in New York, and to many other important causes.
Jim Donovan grew up on a farm in Marcy, New York and served two tours of duty as a marine in World War II. He first served in public office in 1959 when he was elected to the Chadwicks Board of Education. From there, he became the New Hartford Town Councilman in 1961 and the Town Supervisor in 1963. In 1965 he was elected to the Senate.
He was survived by his wife, Esther, by five sons and by two daughters. He also had 14 grandchildren.