A native of North Quincy, Massachusetts, Captain Jim Donovan enlisted in the Navy in July 1973 and advanced through the enlisted ranks as an Ocean Systems Technician (Analyst) filling assignments within the Integrated Undersea Surveillance System (IUSS). 

Captain Donovan was commissioned as a Limited Duty Officer in March 1983 and continued tours within the IUSS.  In August 1999 he became the 10th Commanding Officer of Naval Ocean Processing Facility Dam Neck, Virginia. 

In September of 2001, he transferred to the Information Professional community and served at Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station, Atlantic (NCTAMS LANT) and Naval Network Warfare Command (NETWARCOM).  Captain Donovan assumed Command of Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station, Pacific (NCTAMS PAC) at Wahiawa, Hawaii in July, 2005 and retired from the Navy effective 1 December, 2007 following a 34-year Navy career.

Jim is a graduate of the Naval War College, the University of the State of New York, and Troy University where he earned a Master of Science in Management.

He is married to Captain Kathy Donovan who is assigned to the staff of Commander, Carrier Strike Group Ten (HARRY S TRUMAN).  They reside in Virginia Beach, Virginia.  Jim is the proud father of four children and three grand children.