Feb. 9, 1944 - Jan. 12, 2024
James Patrick “Jim” Dooley, age 80, of Jones County, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 12th, 2025, at the Georgia War Veterans Home. Born on February 9th, 1944, in Troy, New York, Jim was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend who lived a life defined by faith, family, and service.
A proud and dedicated member of the United States Marine Corps for 17 years, Jim served his country with honor, including gallantly in Vietnam. Through and through, he was a Marine—steadfast, loyal, and always ready to lend a hand. After his military service, Jim worked as an airplane mechanic, many years at Sunset Station Casino in Las Vegas, and later at Macon Machine Shop, where his skills and work ethic earned him the respect of all who knew him. Jim was a man of deep faith and a member of Bloomfield Gardens Baptist Church. He also cherished his time attending Parkway Baptist Church. His love for Jesus was evident in every aspect of his life, from his warm smile to his generous spirit. He enjoyed traveling, spending time with his family, and testing his luck at the casino. A true enthusiast of old westerns and a devoted Georgia Bulldogs fan, Jim always found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He also stayed sharp by keeping up with the latest news, a testament to his curious and engaged mind.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife and love of his life, Sarah Frances Price Dooley; his parents, James and Helen Dooley; his sister, Patricia Blount; his brother, John Dooley; his sisterin- law, Frances Dooley; and his granddaughter, Kimberly Moutray. He is survived by his children, Curtis (Diane) Bryant and Patricia Kyle; his cherished grandchildren: Richard Moutray, Kenny (Holly) Bryant, Jessica Moutray, Chris (Kendra) Bryant, Carrie (Richard) Ball, Michael Barton, Aidien White, Adalynn Moutray, Thomas Ball, Freya Barton, Bree Bryant, Kiaya Cobb, Macey Ryles, Harley (Devin) Strozier, CJ Bryant, and Ozzie Belle Strozier; his brother, William (Flori) Dooley; his nephews, Tim (Elizabeth) Cahrenger, Mark Cahrenger, Sr., Michael Cahrenger, and James Thomas “JT” (Geneva) Dooley; and his nieces, Teresa Terpening and Twala (Xavier) Dooley-Saunders.
Special thanks are extended to the compassionate staff of the Georgia War Veterans Home, especially those on the 2nd floor, as well as the doctors and team at Family Hospice and Chaplain Peggy Pittman for their extraordinary care and kindness.
In honor of Jim’s legacy, donations may be made to the Georgia War Veterans Home, 2249 Vinson Highway SE, Milledgeville, GA 31061, (478) 445-3234, www.pruitthealth. com.
A private service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held at a later date. Gray Memorial Chapel is honored to be entrusted with the care of the Dooley family. Online condolences and memories may be shared at graymemorialchapel. com. Jim Dooley’s life was a testament to faith, perseverance, and love—a legacy that will continue to inspire and uplift those who knew and loved him. Semper Fi, Marine.
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:” 2 Timothy 4:7
