Senator James Donovan’s death was described as “a great loss”. Having served as the chairman of the Senate Education Committee for fourteen years, James Donovan made many contributions to the field of education in New York.

Following his death, Ralph J. Marino said “Jim Donovan’s most lasting contribution will be in the area of education, where he assured that quality and affordable education was the state’s top priority.”

Donovan also worked to reduce teenage pregnancy and illiteracy. Aside from serving in the Senate Education Committee, James H. Donovan also served as the chairman of the Committee on Roads and Public Works, as well as the Committee on Mental Hygiene and Addictino Control.