Major James J O'Donovan's Obituary
Major James Joseph O'Donovan was a devoted soldier, cherished husband, and loving father who
exemplified steadfast commitment to God, family, and country. Born August 15, 1908 in Cohoes, New
York to James O'Donovan Sr. and Loula Massey, he was the eldest of five children. Alongside his beloved
wife, Evelyn Murray, James built a family of five children and an enduring legacy of devotion. He is
survived by two children, William M. O'Donovan and Virginia Gail Unwin, both of San Diego. His widow,
Evelyn, and their other three children—James J. O'Donovan Jr., Johanna L. Espana, and Mary E.
Wolfe—led full lives before passing in recent decades.
At the start of World War II, James served in the Philippines with the 31st Infantry Regiment, where he
rose to the rank of Major and fought with distinction in the Battle of Bataan. For his bravery, he received
the Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Purple Heart.
After the surrender of Bataan, Major O’Donovan endured the harrowing ordeal of the Bataan Death
March and subsequent imprisonment at Cabanatuan POW Camp. After three agonizing months, he
tragically succumbed to beriberi on October 18, 1942. After the war, his remains could not be
definitively identified and were therefore buried in Manila as an “Unknown Soldier.” Because he was not
recovered, there was no grave for his family to visit. Instead, James’s memory lived on in the hearts of
his loved ones and through the stories of his life, passed down through the generations.
After 83 years, the heartbreaking mystery of James’s disappearance has been resolved through the
advanced forensic expertise of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA). With his identity
conclusively established, his family has chosen to bring his remains to San Diego, the hometown of his
many descendants and loved ones. There, he will receive the honorable burial he deserves, complete
with full military honors that reflect his valiant service and ultimate sacrifice in defense of this nation.
The interment of Major James Joseph O’Donovan concludes a decades-long story of valor and loss.
Those who honor his memory may find inspiration from the words of Sergeant Abie Abraham, his friend
and fellow POW, who was by his side at the end:
“It is our sacred duty to commemorate those who reached the end, those whom destiny ordained
should never return to their homeland or to the arms of their loved ones. Their courage, fidelity, loyalty,
and close comradeship should be deeply embedded in our hearts as a living remembrance. Even with us
who are left this remembrance should be established beyond the power of mere words and empty
phrases. Our sentiments should run as deeply as the bonds of blood itself, and in assurance that they
rest peacefully in the arms of God.”
in lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Wounded Warrior Project
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