Jim Donovan, longtime sports and news anchor at WKYC, to retire in June

Jim Donovan, a fixture as a sports and news anchor at WKYC for 39 years, will be retiring from 3News on June 10.
While Jimmy is stepping away from daily television, he will continue to serve as the radio play-by-play announcer for the Cleveland Browns, a position he has held since the team returned to the NFL in 1999.
“I haven’t called a Browns Super Bowl win yet," said Jimmy in a statement, “but I’ll continue to call the games this fall so there’s always hope.”
A graduate of Boston University, Jimmy first arrived at WKYC in 1985. In addition to his anchoring and reporting duties in Cleveland, Jimmy also had multiple national roles including play-by-play for NBC Sports' NFL coverage from 1987 to 1997, swimming and soccer play-by-play in the 1992 and 1996 Summer Olympics, and World Cup Soccer in 1994.
After WKYC acquired the local, over-the-air television rights to the Cleveland Indians, Jimmy served as play-by-play announcer from 2006-2008. And then in 2012, he expanded his duties at WKYC, becoming the anchor of Channel 3's Front Row 7 p.m. newscast, while continuing his role as sports anchor.
“Jimmy has had one of the most illustrious careers of any local broadcaster across the country,” stated WKYC President and General Manager Micki Byrnes. “It’s hard to believe he’s really stepping down, but we can all agree he’s accomplished just about every milestone that a Sports and News anchor would wish for."
READ MORE: www.wkyc.com/article/entertai... --
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[@williampatton3444]

Jim Donovan is the definition of a CLASS ACT. He really is the heart beat of the Browns and their fans there is and will never be another one like him. May God Bless you Jimmy and I pray that you will always be aware that you are loved and cherished by so many people all over this country. I wish you the best life has to offer and thank you for being who you are.

[@jabold]

So glad you are still calling The Browns games!

[@zvzsun8555]

We love you Jim!!!

[@rochellehibler1044]

God bless you Jimmy. I wish you continued good health.

[@bobcarr5497]

Congratulations Jimmy Donovan! Well deserved for a great human being! We will miss you on 3 but glad you are still voice of the Browns. Much love too and for you!! All our best to you and your family.

[@katiepowers9627]

Thankyou so much for sharing these years with us! We will miss you very much!

[@michaeliocca1407]

Jim Donavan is a true professional and a phenomenal human being in every fashion of these words. I am glad that he is healthy and well from his battle with cancer twice and that is credible in its own right. I also think and love his play by play of the Cleveland Browns games and is the best ever period. I will miss you dearly on Sports and everything you do for WKYC Channel 3 News. God Bless you in everything that life brings you. Michael Iocca from Mayfield Heights.

[@ExcuseMyFr3nch]

Well Deserved Jimmy, Well Deserved. Jimmy you spent your life making the world a better place... A True Cleveland Legend.

[@cliffkessler2504]

Best wishes, Jim... you are a class act!

[@danielwilkins7509]

Give JIM DONOVAN, a city-hosted fairwell, in the FLATS, in the center of Cleveland.

[@scotthonan4124]

Best Browns voice ever!!! No disrespect to the others!

[@kevinmazur1519]

You will be missed Jim- praying for you and hope to see you speaking at churches soon. Nothing more important than what we do with Jesus. God Bless 🙏

[@mrtyrizzel5760]

Love You Jim, so glad you are still going to be calling the Browns games. It's not right without you in the booth.

[@karensmith988]

Watching you on wkyc has felt like you're a part of our family. Will miss seeing your smiling face. Best wishes for your retirement and enjoy life with your dear family. Congratulations ❤🎉

[@colesonfronk4426]

Thankyou for everything Jimmy!

[@JL-rv9lm]

When Laura talked about Jim making her laugh, it reminded me when a classmate of my son(they are now 27,) lost her Dad in 8th grade and told me that my son making her laugh on the school bus got her through the day. I have no doubt Laura was 100% sincere.

[@marshallsmith4399]

Congratulations 🎉 Jim 39 years WOW!!!!!! I’ve been watching you ever since I was a kid I loved watching you do sports because I loved your personality and passion for sports and how much fun you are doing it its what I’m going to greatly miss and I wish you nothing but the best enjoy your retirement you so very much deserve it Mr Jimmy D!!!!!!!

[@artvankampen8993]

Jimmy!!!! Have a great retirement and I can’t wait to hear you on the Browns again!

[@Geokas300]

Happy retirement and all the best… to the best.

[@JS45678]

Thank You, Jim, for ALL of the priceless memories at Channel 3 that we will always cherish! ♥️♥️♥️

[@TreyCary1]

Havent smiled this hard in weeks. We love you jim!!❤

[@mickgogle2125]

thanks you jim !!!!!

[@anthonyhanna9914]

Thanks for all of the great memories Jim

[@AndrewPolander]

Jim...You are the BEST!!!!!!! Thanks for staying as the Browns voice!

[@Sbrabson04]

Ok, good, didn’t wanna lose Jimmy as our voice

[@sherryblatt4459]

This is so sad for some reason! All these newscasters, sportscasters and weathermen!! I’ve watched them come and go!! Cleveland was blessed with some great personalities for sure!! I’m sure your wife and extended family are very happy for you!! Enjoy your retirement although you probably won’t be to far out of the spotlight!! ❤️🙏🥰👍⚾️🏈

[@williampaul8556]

A good soul. Thank you Jim.

[@larrybedouin2921]

You had a great run Jimmy. Best of luck.

[@suebandy5718]

Love you Jimmy! All the best to you!!

[@woo3131]

The last of the 90's era...

[@nonedo1121-kk5fh]

Hammy

[@BigMarboski]

…..80’s

[@woo3131]

@@BigMarboski The 90's was a major time for sports in Cleveland. I know he began his career here in the 80's, but I just remember the 90's.

[@BigMarboski]

As a life long Clevelander and a die hard Cleveland sports fan I’m very aware of Cleveland sports history. Wasn’t trying to correct you, just adding that he was a big part of the Cleveland sports media going back to the mid 80’s. Hopefully we can both enjoy a few championships in the not to distant future!

[@woo3131]

@@BigMarboski Yes

[@guyfarish9944]

Happy retirement Jim, you'll love it!

[@peterbartholomew5282]

Just the Best.Sportcaster and Human

[@RJ-mw2gw]

Happy for you, but sad to see you go.

[@UncleGabe216]

JD we love you bro

[@kevinhurst3709]

No person is better than Jim calling Browns games on the radio period exclamation point ‼️

[@ChuckSchickx]

Well done sir, well done.👏👏

[@HansKuijf]

All the best!

[@danielwilkins7509]

Public art artists, in Ohio, should create an artistic tribute, to Cleveland great-JIM DONOVAN🙂.

[@calledoff58]

Congratulations Jim

[@danielwilkins7509]

Gonna miss JIMMY😞. His co-star is so...ANNE HATHAWAY-meets-MARISA TOMEI? Or something.

[@frankwolfrum6301]

Congratulations Jim have fun in retirement.

[@joeplott6035]

Love you Jim.

[@lawrencepetersen6519]

Sorry to see u go jim I've been a long time browns fan an always enjoyed listing to you an im from nj

[@sawmillguy9706]

Please call Browns games until the day you die Jim we love you!

[@Dannean7]

I am praying you get to call the Browns in the Superbowl no play by play announcer is better. 😊

[@user-fx3zk3lw3v]

He may be from Boston but he belongs to Cleveland

[@StrivingTowardsWhatIsAhead]

Nooooooooooooooo

[@neanderthalsnavel7411]

How about the Browns too?!? Worst Browns broadcaster in history with that constant screaming!!

[@PNWBootreview]

Are you ok?

[@ExcuseMyFr3nch]

Block this bi+c# wkyc

[@VincentMauceri]

Jim and I will pray for you.

[@frankwolfrum6301]

Congratulations Jim have fun in retirement.