James Doyle

James Doyle, a long-time resident of South Portland, died October 23 at St. Joseph's Rehabilitation and Residence, in the fullness of a life well-lived. He was born in Portland, May 20, 1915, son of James A. Doyle and Mary King Doyle. He graduated from Portland High School, but his education continued throughout his life. He was a man with a constant thirst for knowledge who also had a great wit and an uncanny knack for remembering names. He was reading and discussing biographies and histories until his death. He worked for a sign painter after high school graduation, then joined the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Depression. He was assigned to a crew that built the road through Evans Notch. He entered the U.S. Postal Service in 1940. From 1943-5, he served with the U.S. Army Postal Service in England, France, and Germany. He made lifelong friends during his tenure overseas and taught himself both French and German.~ He returned to the Portland Post Office after World War II and worked his way up from carrier to assistant superintendent of mails. He ended his career in 1976 as assistant postmaster of the South Portland Post Office. Jim met his one true love, Marjorie Hodges, in 1948 and they were married February 12, 1949. They had fifty-six years of love; traveling, dancing, and enjoying the groups with which they were affiliated after they retired. They went to Europe several times, often staying with Jim's WWII buddy and his family in France. They spent thirty years enjoying their camp at Thompson Lake, where Jim was constantly fishing for the elusive 'big ones'. Jim was past president of the local chapter of National Association of Retired Federal Employees, and also past president of NARFE's Maine federation. He was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corp's survivor group, the Irish- American Club and the Italian Heritage Club. He was a communicant of Holy Cross parish in South Portland.~ It seemed like Jim knew everyone in Portland and South Portland. If he didn't know you personally, it was a good bet that he knew someone in your family. Jim was the caretaker of his large, close family after the deaths of his parents.~ His siblings speak often and fondly of his sacrifices in their behalf. He is predeceased by his wife Marjorie, sisters Madeline and Eleanor, and his brother Edward. Surviving him are brother Richard Doyle and wife Helen; sisters Dorothy Donahue, Sr. Phyllis Doyle, RSM, and Frances Bryson; daughter Sue Hartford Clukey and son-in-law Douglas Clukey; three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and many, many nieces, nephews, and their children. Thank you to the staff and residents of St. Joseph's for making the past two years so comfortable and enjoyable for Jim. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, October 26, 2011, from 4:00 - 7:00 pm at the Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited at the Chapel on Thursday, October 27, at 8:15 am followed by a 9:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Cross Church, corner of Broadway and Cottage Road, South Portland. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. Online Condolences for James Doyle, Jr.