Video Tribute: Remembering Jim Donovan, a Cleveland sports legend

[@Cheryl-o4k]

no one called a game better than Jim Donovan RIP

[@JoeNimrichter-d1f]

You speak the truth!

[@cockyhemi]

Joe Tait with the Cavs was second to none. Jimmy was very good though!

[@chrisc3118]

Old Browns announcer Gib Shanley was very good too.

[@JoeNimrichter-d1f]

@@chrisc3118 I listened to Gibs games too. Jim was much more dynamic.

[@adamsmith6389]

Amen

[@dr.scanlan6112]

Steelers fan, nothing but respect for Jim Donovan. A tragic loss for the city of Cleveland.

[@Brian-gw6di]

He was the Myron Cope of the Cleveland Browns . Two legends that will never be replaced.

[@dr.scanlan6112]

@@Brian-gw6di For sure. It becomes a part of your team association. Memories tied to their voices . Donavan loved when the Browns beat The Steelers. A little extra oomph in that voice! 😁

[@demynngashepherd8588]

As a Browns fan, thank you, brother. Casey Coleman. To Jim Donovan. Two class acts

[@djmerchant]

Same here Doc!

[@tomcarroll2232]

This one hurts, Jim was a legend.

[@JulieWeiss-w4z]

The radio GOAT

[@Thy_Wendigo]

Now the only thing we are missing is you... RIP Jim 🏈

[@millardthomas9059]

I'm 46. Been in Cleveland my whole life. I remember they showed him going to the hospital when his daughter was born. As much as I liked Gibb Shanley,Case Coleman and Nev Chandler, Jim Donovan was always my favorite. I know we all gotta go one day, but this is a sad day for me and alot of Browns fan. I wished he had lived to see the Browns win a SB. R.i.p man.

[@TheChiefWahooGuy]

It’s a shame we lost all them.

[@matthewfoor4487]

@@millardthomas9059 same. I'm 47 and I feel like Jimmy's voice will be stuck in my head forever. We had a true legend calling our games for so long I'm realizing now how spoiled we were. RIP Jimmy 😭

[@millardthomas9059]

@@matthewfoor4487 Sad day man Alot of memories. I remember being in college and working alot of Sundays as a security guard listening to Browns games on the radio. Alot of close games in 2001/2002 that went down to the last minute.

[@Affordablebath_remodel]

you named some Cleveland greats. + Joe Tait .

[@TheChiefWahooGuy]

@@Affordablebath_remodel so many good ones

[@50shadesofShay.]

I havent cried this hard in a long time. We will miss you Jim.

[@MarilynPeterlin]

Me too.

[@JessieKankula]

@@50shadesofShay. Same. I just cried silent tears

[@geekillustratordad4982]

I’m a Bengals fan but I lived in Rocky River and Jim is the Voice of the Browns Can’t be replaced, he was FANTASTIC and brought such power over there plays. He will be missed. He will be missed.

[@marcusjones491]

Rip jim, I'll always remember that iconic voice.

[@chuckrhodes3217]

Jim is a part of Cleveland. I remember living in areas that didn’t have Browns TV coverage but had radio coverage. You could tell how much he enjoyed watching the game as a fan. He brought so much energy to all that he did and made so many of us happy even during the tough seasons. Truly one of the best play by play men in sports. You will be missed Jim

[@rendragmedia]

I wish he had done more national network games, but for Clevelanders consider yourselves fortunate and blessed.

[@mcarroll598]

Such a nice person, about 10 years ago I was working on the new scoreboards at the Browns stadium and Jim was walking and looking around at all the improvements that were done at the stadium. He came up to me and said how’s it going? I said hello Jim, then he goes on to say, I watched all you guys from the Channel 3 building working thru the cold, rain, snow, wind and what a fabulous job all of you did! I said thank you! RIP Jim, such a Class act!

[@MarilynPeterlin]

A beautiful tribute, thank you for sharing!

[@adamsmith6389]

Appreciate that story :)

[@stevenroyer8731]

Man this one really hurts. He was the voice of my fandom since a child. Many times have i synced up the tv with the radio and listened to him after muting the tv. The next person has the biggest shoes to fill. RIP Jimmy, know that you were loved by more than you could ever imagine.

[@EA-ql2tl]

Won’t be the same without JD….heart n soul of the browns

[@Yoshidoce2006]

Jimmy was all of us. I was at a loss for words when I heard.

[@justinharris9874]

R.I.P. Jimmy , you truly are the Voice of Cleveland. We will truly miss you.

[@titansrule72]

i am so sorry for jim's family. also, sorry for the fans that we never got to hear jim call a browns superbowl. god bless jim donovan. you were the voice of the browns for my lifetime and i thank you for your contribution.

[@GramDawg6]

I can never get enough of watching Jimmy's takes. You will be missed terribly. 😢

[@neilsmith9066]

Best part about the past 25 years of Browns was Jim Donovan

[@Splash28690]

Rest in peace Jim. Heart and soul of the Browns.

[@reggiesanders2162]

Wow, just received word of Jim Donovan's passing here in Phoenix. I just shedded a tear for Jim 😢 I'll never forget playing in a celebrity basketball game in Cleveland and hearing Jim announce Sanders for 3rrrrrr. I really felt like I did something hearing that call from Jim. Boy, I believe we will all miss his voice!

[@TheChiefWahooGuy]

Reggie! It is sad. God bless him. Hope you are well!

[@stephencollins7482]

RIP Jim the city of Cleveland will miss you.

[@bryanjimison7990]

Best ever. We were lucky to have him. RIP Jim Donovan.

[@chief2tongues]

There will never ever, ever be another Jim Donovan!! Our condolences to his family! We hurt with you-to say the least!!!!

[@Ty_Knots]

Jim, you made Browns games so exciting. Thanks, we will always remember you. Enjoy your new adventure brother 🙏

[@Topo42mh]

Man would have been great to see him witness a Browns or Indians championship. Nothing better when an outsider takes hold of and embraces Cleveland the way he did!! Class act and will be sorely missed. Condolences to his family and friends.

[@Yo_AB_Breaks]

Sure gonna miss you Jimmy. ❤

[@kevinhurst3709]

Some of us can't afford going to games or NFL package on tv. He was our virtual connection to Browns football. He was an expert at his craft. He will be missed. Wish he was back.

[@genuine440]

God and the angels get to listen to the best game caller in all of sports now. RIP, Mr. Donovan. Browns games are not the same with you calling them.

[@jcbuckeye]

Even tho I felt it was coming, when I heard I felt an overwhelming sadness overtake me.

[@JessieKankula]

This is so heartbreaking. Let's be real, this is a man who put his heart and body on the line for Cleveland.

[@everwind5691]

I wish the Browns would have a Superbowl in his lifetime. He deserved it for all he had to endure. Always a class act, and one of us. He will be deeply missed. I hope he knew he was loved and appreciated.

[@Dannean7]

That's what I hate thee most that he did not get to see the Browns win a Superbowl

[@tonyray7546]

I am so sad, Jim was the man. “Run William Run”

[@josephgarnett5201]

One of Cleveland's Finest, RIP Jim

[@toddb2537]

So true!

[@jefffolk4421]

Whelp…… I cried……. LEGEND!!

[@josephkendall9793]

Jim your voice brought me comfort and familiarity. May you rest in peace. CLE will miss you 😢

[@ConnorMiller417]

One of the very best commentators we’ve ever seen. Jimmy embraced the Cleveland Browns and he will forever be the voice of the Browns. RIP Jimmy, you will be missed. 😢

[@robbiebettilyon5304]

I agree !

[@dianeadaska7099]

My heart goes out to family... he will be truly missed and his voice is one of kind🙏❤️

[@OceanGopher33]

There will never be another Jim Donovan. I'll never be able to listen to another Browns game without tears in my eye.

[@Michael-g1e3j]

Sunday afternoon watching the Browns and listening to Jimmy call play by play. Never forget

[@paulschab8152]

Jim and Tom are two of the best, and Cleveland has a lot of great Commentators. You will never be forgotten, Jim.

[@HEYitzED]

Oh man this made me cry. We love you Jim. And thank you. There will never be another like you.

[@Maxaldojo]

R.I.P. Jimmy! Thanks for EVERYTHING!

[@brucywang7437]

R.I.P. Jimmy. Cleveland ICON. Always enjoyed his play by play and booth commentary. Made watching the Browns exciting the way he called them. Definitely will be missed here in Cleveland.

[@WolfRaged]

Thank you Jim , you are loved and will be missed by many…

[@johnzibert4789]

A Cleveland LEGEND!!! RIP Jimmy!! We all will miss you. Love to the Donovan family. Thanks for sharing him with us.

[@martinmontier9930]

I m sitting here crying. I miss him all ready m

[@millardthomas9059]

Sad day for alot of ppl. I'm sure your not alone.

[@Itsalwayscloudyincleveland]

Jim will live on forever in the stories we tell.

[@jessedelphia1227]

Thank you for all the memories

[@Mr.B.Brooks]

Your voice will live forever 💐 love you Jimmy 🫶🏽💯 🧡🤎

[@westhamunited2295]

I am going to miss listening to that man’s voice on Sunday afternoon. No one called a game better than jim. R.I.P Mr. Donovan.

[@orensmith9421]

RIP JIM THE BEST IN THE GAME FACTS FROM ODOGG FROM CLEVELAND N RALEIGH NC OH YEAH WE MISS YOU JIMMY ALL OVER THE WORLD 😢 FACTS

[@romanadventures78]

RIP Jimmy, One of the greatest. Thank you for all the great memories.

[@oldben1800]

Im crying because my childhood is leaving. A chilly, sunny, fall day...hanging with my dad on his farm, listening to this man call terrible browns games....he was the best.

[@brandonfitzpatrick944]

Thank you, jimmy. You were one of a kind. The effort you put into every broadcast made me feel like I was there watching the game.

[@dznutz217]

Jim Donovan is and will always be special to the City of Cleveland and Clevelanders at home or abroad. His voice was so full of the youthful love that we have for our teams. His smile and enthusiasm were infectious. I'm 56 and for me Gib Shanley, Nev Chandler and Jim Donovan are my favorite Cleveland sportscasters. To Jimmy's family, my deepest condolences for your loss. Many of us Clevelanders are grieving with you and want you to know how special your husband, father, and more was and will always be for us. Thank you Jimmy for everything! You always made us proud! This truly hurts.🙏

[@FordFamily6ix]

Crazy...eyes watering on my way to work..grew up watching you Jim...RIP brother smh...

[@aceiscool11]

The Voice of Cleveland sports ❤

[@erielac]

What an amazing man. Rest in peace Jim, you will be missed by all.

[@willsteele9249]

Man! I grew up listening to Casey Coleman & Jim Donovan,😭R.I.P. Love you forever Brothers!

[@HomeDefender30]

Wow forgot all about Coleman!

[@savageAMG]

I absolutely loved hearing the energy in his voice, RIP! LEGEND

[@CrispFTW]

Man, I remember his first year... He won me over fast. What a great game caller, and an awesome man. Thanks for all the great calls!! I hope you lived your dream, I think you did. You made it better for all of us! Thank you, friend.

[@Potamus]

And thus passeth a legend... and a good man. This one makes my heart hurt. My thoughts and love to his family. Rest in Peace and thank you for the joy and passion you brought to all of us.

[@conniegordon2238]

Breaks my heart to hear this ...he will always be the voice. Of the Cleveland Browns ❤❤ you felt the team when he was on the radio!! You will be heartfelt missed ❤❤ 🙏 RIP!!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@mrsbrillhart247]

I loved listening to Jim Donovan’s play-by-plays of the Browns games…he will definitely be missed and may he rest Heavenly in Jesus!

[@JimHarold]

One of the best broadcasters every anywhere and it sure seems like one of the best people, too. I only got to meet him once and he was a generous gentleman who took time from his busy schedule for a young college kid (working on an assignment) when he didn't have to. Mr. Donovan, rest in peace knowing that you were the best at what you did and you made the lives of a lot of people better including me. God Bless Jim and his family.

[@MarilynPeterlin]

Thank you for sharing your experience with the wonderful man!

[@mercertj]

RIP Jim. You were so loved by everyone.

[@ricocruz1356]

WOW 😔 prayers to his family 🙏🏾 I remember me an my friends would always meet up at my house for browns games an rite before the games started we would hurry up and mute the game announcers an turn the radio up an watch the game on tv while listening to jim call the games from the radio , there would always be a couple seconds delay but it didn’t matter we wanted to here jim call are browns games 😔 “ RUNNNN WILLIE RUNNNN ! “ RIP JIMMY

[@rtmotorsports]

Hats off from a Bills fan he sure had a lot of energy in his play calling and that's what made him fun. God speed from the Bills Mafia.

[@martinu981]

R.I.P jim. Thanks for the memories.

[@tunemaking]

He was one of the main reasons I loved to listen to the game! Jimmy was a true class act through and through! I’m truly saddened by his passing! When he first came back after his treatment, my family was so happy to see and hear him call the game again! There will never be another person quite like Jim Donovan! RIP Jimmy…you always did right by Cleveland!!

[@bigjt37]

Gosh man, after Fred McLeod loss for Cleveland sports, I can't stomach this with Jimmy Donovan. Oh my condolences to all who cared about him. He was a Cleveland sports passionate friend more than anything, loyal and quality. I'm gonna miss him. Sad time. 💔💙

[@Barbarianbrotha]

What a legend. I just wish the Browns were a decent team when he left us....R.I.P Jimmy Donavan. Gone but not forgotten.😢

[@GregoryWright-dh9rh]

I appreciate great local sportscasters no matter where they hail from. Jim Donovan poured his heart and soul into his job. All respect and thank you.

[@josephhecht6331]

A great man in every sense. A great voice, but a fighter more than anything. Jimmy will always live on in the memories of Browns fans everywhere

[@ThePhilmaywalt]

Jim, you always gave us 200%. We were lucky for the time that "we knew you".....

[@PeterSokol-bl5vz]

65….he was part of my life…for so many years….the stars should be a little bit brighter tonight.

[@maxsprague6502]

When I watched away games I would turn down the volume on the television and listen to Jimmy on the radio. He will always be the voice of the Browns to me. Thank you Jimmy. My prayers are with his family

[@jasonm7121]

Someday, Jim.. And when that happens, I’m sure a lot of Browns fans will scream “Touchdown” and “The Browns WIN The Super Bowl” ! Until then…. Rest in power with the greats!

[@paulwalker4352]

Thank you Jim! Rest easy

[@JL-rv9lm]

When your illness came back aggressively and was reported by Russ Mitchell, to see Betsy tear up immediately shows how much your coworkers loved you. That says it all.

[@sambr359]

Thank you Jim 🧡

[@The1Manager]

OMFG I'm totally crying at the lost. Love you Jimmy 4 ever. Peace be with you.

[@aaustria3716]

you will be missed brother. thanks for memories. RIP. prayers for your family.

[@toddtraut7721]

Let’s win for Jimmy tomorrow!

[@hypnicjerk7614]

Sorry to hear he died. Was the greatest at his craft. Will be missed.

[@dyates6380]

This breaks my heart. I'm so sad hearing this. Condolences to his family.

[@MikeBrown-ht4kh]

Mr Donovan may you rip , you always will be the voice of the browns

[@LaMostraVia]

Jim Donovan was overall a great person and one of the best commentators in history. RIP big guy! You’re going to absolutely be missed 😔 “RUN WILLIAM RUN!” Is my favorite call of his

[@SirGabrielXXXL]

Wow Jim! You will be missed

[@daleb7300]

Was a pleasure working with Jim years ago at nbc. Loved hearing his calls on the Radio. Jim was awesome and made you feel part of the game. Will miss you my friend😢

[@randyschlupp4405]

Words can't say how much you meant to everybody who watched you or listened to you on Browns radio thank you for the memories RIP Jimmy you'll be sadly missed

[@bdotdagoat4781]

The city won’t be the same without you jimmy. Thank you for all the memories.

[@matthewfoor4487]

That was a great video tribute to a great man. Thanks Jimmy for everything rest in peace brother.

[@user-jpwiremans1575]

Not from Cleveland so i just now heard that Jimmy paaaed away. He lived a wonderful life many will never forget him God bless you RIP. As his clock clicked down to zero we say thank you Jimmy you went out a winner .

[@MarilynPeterlin]

Great tribute--thanks!

[@The1Manager]

God his voice is so part off my life.

[@TheProfessorOfLife]

Love Jim Donovan! I was born the same year as Jimmy and lived in the Cleveland area during the Schottenheimer/Kosar years, and Jimmy was the BEST! I left the Cleveland area in 1989 and I had no idea he stayed in Cleveland that long. Rest In Peace Mr. Donovan.

[@EA-ql2tl]

Listening to the radio 📻 on sundays won’t be the same anymore without jimmy…heart n soul of the browns 💯

[@mattsmith510]

I went from a boy to a man listening too and watching Jimmy D! Regardless of how bad it was Jimmy always made you feel better. Jimmy was always a part of our household, our family. We love you Jimmy D and may you rest in peace 💔

[@kashakamcpherson9719]

Rest in peace Jim Donovan you will be missed greatest Cleveland sports caster ever

[@michaelstilla4364]

Nice tribute to Jimmy so many great broadcasters in the CLE have been lost over the years salute to you Jimmy and to those that have preceded you.