JAMES LAYTON "JIM" DOYLE ~ Class of 1949
June 24, 1931 - March 20, 2010





James "Jim" was born on June 24th, 1931 in Genesee, ID. His parents, John Francis (Frank) and Emma Doyle moved to Richland in 1947 during World War II, where he attended Columbia High School. An outstanding athlete, Jim was a varsity letterman in football and baseball. He was selected to the High School All Conference Team and was selected as an All State Baseball player. In 1995 he was inducted into the Richland High School Sports Hall of Fame.

Jim graduated from high school in 1949, and one year later, was married to his high school sweetheart, Barbara Barron ('50). Jim attended Washington State College (now Washington State University) while Barbara worked at the Hanford site. He played third base for the varsity Washington State baseball team until leaving at the end of his Junior year to return to Richland to support his young family.

Jim and Barbara were married for 57 years and raised five loving children. He worked for General Electric and then Battelle (Pacific Northwest National. Laboratories) for over thirty years, retiring at the age of 57. As Manager of Graphics for GE and Battelle, Jim was responsible for the direction and guidance of many graphic illustrators, whom he took great pleasure in mentoring.

After retirement, Jim and Barbara moved to Meadow Springs Country Club, where he refined his golfing skills. He also pursued his beloved art of fly fishing in the spring and summer and duck hunting in the fall. Jim and Barbara enjoyed traveling during their retirement, visiting their ancestral homelands of Ireland and England multiple times.

As a grandfather, Jim was devoted to his eleven grandchildren, taking great joy in showing each one special attention, and quietly supporting Barbara's spoiling of each of them individually.

Anyone who was blessed to know Jim knew that he was the embodiment of honor, dignity and loyalty. He and Barbara were fiercely devoted to their family, and taught their children (and grandchildren) to be strong, self-reliant, and to strive for high goals. He will be deeply missed by so many.

James was preceded in death by his wife Barbara Barron Doyle in 2008, parents Frank and Emma Doyle, his brother Terry, and Skye (Darcy's foster child).

He is survived by his children: Kelleen Doyle ('71) and her daughter Carri; James Doyle Jr. ('72), his wife Laura and son Shawn; Shawna Doyle Boolen ('75), her husband Paul and children Erin and Connor; Darcy Doyle ('77) and her children Lindsey, Taylor, Vincent, Jaybry and Bryanna; Timothy Doyle ('80), his wife Mary and sons Collin and Shayne.

The Doyle family wishes to thank dad's dear friend and long-time hunting partner, Dr. Jim Leedy, for his compassionate support during this difficult time.

A memorial service was held Saturday April 10th at the Richland Lutheran Church on Van Giesen in Richland at 1:00 p.m.

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