John Thomas Donovan Jr., known to all as Jack, passed away Friday, October 30, 2026, in Sioux City, Iowa. After battling heart disease, he took his final rest at home, a place he loved.

He was born on June 17, 1949, in Port Chester, New York, to Clara (Cavalea) Donovan and John Thomas Donovan. He was the younger brother of Paula Bova Morgan.

Jack spent an idyllic childhood in Rye, New York, where he enjoyed golfing and boating on the Long Island Sound. He was a 1967 graduate of Rye High School and attended Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island. He raised his family in Mahopac, New York, with Rebecca Donovan. It was during this time that he was a distributor for 7-Up and later Coca Cola in Manhattan. He then joined Colonial Ford and Mazda in Danbury, Connecticut.

Sentimental, fiercely loyal, and blessed with a stubborn streak, Jack brought humor, heart, and a willingness to help to the lives of those around him. He was quick with a sarcastic comment or joke, and just as quick to lend a hand or fix something that needed fixing. He had his own way of doing things and would be happy to explain why his way was the right way.

If Jack wasn’t on the golf course, he could often be found cruising the Caribbean, exploring state parks in the RV, or enjoying a sunset from his front porch. He appreciated a well-cooked steak, a hot cup of coffee, a cold beer, and the chance to take in the view.

An animal whisperer at heart, he loved his pets like children, from those now missing him at home to those waiting to join him over the rainbow bridge.

Family was an important part of Jack’s life. He shared his last 25 years with his partner, Marj Eickholt. Father to Shannon Donovan, Erin Andrews (Ryan), and John Donovan (Sophie). He played an important supportive role to Marj’s children: Melanie Arnold (Geoff), Paul “Ike” Murphy (Samantha), and Bethany Murphy.

His grandchildren, Liam and Ellie Andrews; John Paul, Theodore, Warner, Forrest, and Ansel Arnold; Karli and Zoe Murphy held a special place in his heart.

Jack relocated to a hilltop acreage in Iowa, in 2007, to be close to Marj’s family, who became an important part of his life. That extended family included Marj’s siblings, Marilyn Eickholt, Deb Robinson, Diane Dynes, Ray Eickholt, and Joe Eickholt (Penny), along with many nieces and nephews. Ray’s wife, Sandy, was there to welcome him in Heaven.

It would be a detriment to his legacy not to mention his hole-in-one on the fifth hole in Hinton, Iowa. Witnessed by his golf buddies: Mike, Charlie, and Dwight. He certainly wouldn’t want us to leave that out.

Jack will be remembered for his loyalty, his sentimental heart, his ever-ready humor, and the many ways he showed up for the people he loved. Those who knew him will miss his helping hands, his familiar presence, and the perfectly timed comment that could always make them laugh.

You will be missed, Grandpa Jack.