What Happened to Jim Donovan? Everything About WKYC Sports Anchor Illness
by Ushapriyanga
Updated Jun 01, 2023
Who is Jim Donovan?
James Francis Donovan III, born on July 17, 1956, is an esteemed American radio and television personality. He currently holds the position of sports director and news anchor at WKYC channel 3 (NBC) in Cleveland, Ohio. Additionally, since 1999, he has been the esteemed radio voice for the Cleveland Browns Radio Network.
James Donovan was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He completed his education at Boston University, graduating in 1978. He embarked on his career as a sports director at WJON radio in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Following his time in Minnesota, he relocated to Vermont, where he provided play-by-play coverage for basketball and hockey at the Satellite News Channel in Burlington.
Furthermore, he gained experience in play-by-play announcing and sports anchoring at WVMT radio and WEZF-TV. Notably, James Donovan served as the play-by-play announcer for the Vermont Reds, a minor league baseball team affiliated with the Cincinnati Reds. Coincidentally, the team is now recognized as the Akron RubberDucks, a minor-league team affiliated with the Cleveland Guardians.
What Happened to Jim Donovan?
Jim Donovan, the esteemed sports anchor at WKYC Studios and the play-by-play announcer for the Cleveland Browns, has made a public announcement regarding his battle with leukemia. On the recent episode of "Front Row" aired on Wednesday, Jim revealed that he first noticed signs of health complications approximately a year and a half ago.
Following medical confirmation, it was determined that he had experienced a relapse of leukemia. Over the past year and a half, Jim has undergone a range of chemotherapy treatments, both intravenous and oral, which proved mostly effective. However, due to changing circumstances, he now requires a more aggressive treatment plan that has already commenced.
Jim acknowledged that this new treatment regimen will be a challenging and protracted journey. His primary objective is to recuperate, regain his health, and move forward. Drawing from his prior experience with battling the disease, he expressed his determination to overcome the obstacles once again.
While he intends to continue his presence at Channel 3 and on the radio to the best of his ability, there may be periods during which he will be unable to fulfill his professional commitments, ranging from a day to potentially longer durations.
Having been diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in 2000, Jim embarked on a decade-long struggle against the disease, culminating in a bone marrow transplant in the summer of 2011. The transplant was made possible by a perfect 10-point match with a Virginia corrections officer named Dallas Gentry. Merely three months after the procedure, Jim made a triumphant return to the Browns broadcast booth.
However, his path to recovery was far from smooth, as he encountered fevers and also faced a diagnosis of melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer, on his earlobe. Subsequently, Jim underwent surgical removal of the mole.
Jim took a moment during his announcement to express his gratitude towards his family and the caregivers at University Hospitals. He acknowledged the unwavering support of his wife Cheryl, who serves as his primary confidante and advocate.
He also lauded his daughter Meghan for her incredible support. Although the news of his relapse initially caused some distress, Jim and his family have since gathered their strength and are ready to confront the challenges together.
Expressing his utmost confidence, Jim placed his trust in the capable hands of the medical professionals overseeing his case at UH Seidman Cancer Center. He commended their exceptional care and treatment over the years and is prepared to place his well-being in their care once again.
A graduate of Boston University, Jim Donovan joined WKYC in 1985, where he has since become an integral part of the team. In addition to his work in Cleveland, Jim spent 11 seasons calling NFL games on NBC and served as the play-by-play announcer for various events during the network's coverage of the 1992 and 1996 Summer Olympics.
Since 1999, he has held the esteemed position of radio "Voice of the Cleveland Browns." As he prepares for his 25th season as the team's play-by-play announcer this fall, it is worth noting that amidst a roster of 10 head coaches and numerous starting quarterbacks, Jim remains the singular, unwavering voice of the franchise.
Jim Donovan Net Worth
After completing his law degree in 1993, Jim Donovan joined the esteemed financial institution Goldman Sachs. Over the course of his career there, he made significant strides and achieved various milestones. Notably, he was elevated to the position of partner seven years later and eventually ascended to the role of Managing Director.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Jim actively participated in philanthropic endeavors. He served on the board of the "Goldman Sachs Philanthropy Fund" from 2000 to 2006, showcasing his commitment to giving back to the community. Beyond his banking responsibilities, Jim engaged in fundraising efforts for "Mission Possible: The Dana Farber Campaign to Conquer Cancer."
Furthermore, Jim's insights and experiences were widely shared through his contributions to esteemed publications such as the "Harvard Alumni Magazine" and "Fortune." Additionally, he dedicated his time as an adjunct professor at the University of Virginia School of Law, where he imparted his knowledge on leadership and corporate matters to eager students.
It has been reported that Jim earned an approximate annual salary of $2 million during his tenure at Goldman Sachs. Notably, his bonus consistently exceeded his base pay, ultimately contributing to a net worth surpassing $100 million.
What Happened to WKYC Sports Anchor Jim Donovan?
Jim Donovan, a renowned figure as the radio voice of the Cleveland Browns since 1999 and a longstanding sports anchor at 3News, reluctantly shared distressing news during a recent on-air announcement.
With a tinge of regret, he revealed the reason behind his altered appearance and hairstyle. Approximately a year and a half ago, he began to sense something amiss with his health. Familiar with his public battle against leukemia, which led to a successful bone marrow transplant over a decade ago, Jim confirmed that the disease had resurfaced, marking a relapse.
Throughout the past 18 months, Jim has undergone chemotherapy, receiving a combination of intravenous and oral medications. He attested to their generally positive effect, but circumstances have necessitated a shift in his treatment approach. Recognizing the transformative nature of chemotherapy, he acknowledged the accompanying loss of hair, a badge of honor in this challenging journey.
The path ahead entails an arduous and comprehensive treatment plan, characterized by its aggressive nature. Nonetheless, Jim remains resolute in his pursuit of better health and a brighter future. Drawing from his previous experience, he expressed his unwavering determination to overcome this setback once again.
Acknowledging the unwavering support he has received, Jim expressed gratitude to Channel 3, the Cleveland Browns, and most notably, his family. He referred to his wife Cheryl as his primary pillar of strength and advocate, while describing his daughter Megan as an exceptional source of support. Though initially thrown off balance by the news, they have regrouped and fortified themselves, ready to confront this challenge head-on.
Jim exuded utmost confidence in the medical professionals entrusted with his case at the Seidman Cancer Center at University Hospitals. Recognizing their remarkable track record in his care over the years, he willingly places his trust in their capable hands once again.
Jim Donovan pledged to maintain his presence on WKYC and the radio to the best of his abilities. However, he candidly acknowledged the possibility of intermittent absences, ranging from brief periods to potentially more prolonged durations, depending on the course of his treatment and his individual response to it.
Owners of the Cleveland Browns, Jimmy and Dee Haslam, expressed their unwavering support for Jim, pledging to stand by him in every possible way. They extended their heartfelt thoughts to him and his family during this challenging time. Recognizing his immense dedication and resilience, they highlighted his role as an exceptional representative of the Cleveland Browns.
The Haslams eagerly anticipate his triumphant victory in this battle, with the hope that he will continue to be a vital part of the team, calling games throughout the season. Jim Donovan's battle with chronic lymphocytic leukemia commenced in 2000, a mere year after the Browns' return to Cleveland. Since then, he has navigated a lengthy and arduous journey, culminating in a successful bone marrow transplant in the summer of 2011. Merely three months later, Jim returned to his cherished role in the Browns broadcast booth alongside his long-standing partner, Doug Dieken, who retired ahead of the 2022 season.
Yet, the road to recovery was fraught with challenges, including fevers and the discovery of melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer, on his earlobe. Since that time, Jim has remained vigilant in monitoring his health situation. Micki Byrnes, President and General Manager of WKYC, eloquently encapsulated the essence of Jim Donovan and his significant contributions.
“Jim Donovan is a Cleveland broadcasting legend, whose name has become synonymous with the Northeast Ohio sports scene,” Byrnes said in a statement. “Just as Jim handles his daily reporting and analysis with smarts, grit and strength — we know that Jim will bring that same tenacity and spirit to this health battle. We appreciate that the viewers and community stand in solidarity with our WKYC team in supporting Jim and his family, just as they always have for the past 38+ years.”
What Happened to Jim Donovan-FAQs
Jim Donovan is a radio and television personality, serving as the radio voice of the Cleveland Browns since 1999 and a sports anchor at WKYC channel 3 (NBC) in Cleveland, Ohio.
Jim Donovan announced that he has experienced a relapse of leukemia, a disease he has been battling for a long time.
Over the past 18 months, Jim has been receiving chemotherapy, including both intravenous and oral medications.
Jim expressed his gratitude to his wife, Cheryl, who he described as his primary support system and advocate, as well as his daughter, Megan, who has been a great source of strength