James F. Dooley

DOOLEY, James “Jim” “Duke”, age 82, formerly of Dayton, Ohio, passed away on December 7, 2025, with his loving family by his side. While our hearts grieve his passing, we take comfort in the hope that we will see him again.

Jim graduated from Belmont High School in 1961. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1970. Following his military service, Jim spent most of his 55-year career in the food service industry. His first 15 years were with Kentucky Fried Chicken, followed by more than 40 years working for and retiring from Lee’s Famous Recipe. Throughout his life, Jim had the opportunity to live and enjoy time in Florida, Virginia, Colorado, and spent over 40 years in Louisville, Kentucky.

Jim was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather; a devoted brother and son. He deeply loved his family, and they loved him just as fiercely in return. He had a remarkable gift for making everyone he met feel special, and he was blessed with many friends who truly adored him. In Louisville especially, many of those friends became family.

Jim treasured spending time with his daughters, brothers, sons-in-law, grandsons, great-grandson, and his only granddaughter. He leaves behind countless wonderful memories of family vacations to Hilton Head Island, Norris Lake, Lakeside and Hocking Hills, as well as golf outings, sporting events, holidays, birthdays, and trips to the casino.

His love of sports began early in life. Jim played on several softball teams in Dayton and Louisville, pitching and playing third base. He also enjoyed tennis, fishing, and golf, and was one of the few golfers to achieve three holes-in-one. He loved attending concerts, visiting Churchill Downs, and especially experiencing the Kentucky Derby. Jim was a loyal fan of the Cincinnati Reds, Kentucky Wildcats, and Cleveland Browns. One of his most cherished pastimes was watching the sunset in Martha’s Vineyard with his brother Ted and dear friends Chip and Diane.

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Robert Jay Dooley; his mother, Delma Dooley; his brother, Robert “Bobby Dale” Dooley; and his sister-in-law, Sandi Dooley.

He is survived by his brother, Ted Dooley; his daughters, Jeannette (Bob) King and Jami (Bill) Luzecky; grandsons Joseph (Natalie), Aaron (Julie), and Nicolas (Molly); his granddaughter, Natalia; his great-grandson, Miles; and many wonderful friends who will miss him dearly.

Jim’s ashes will be scattered at David’s Cemetery, Kettering.

Friends and family can Celebrate Jim’s life together at a graveside service that will be held at 11am on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at David’s Cemetery Mausoleum.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to the staff at The Trinity Community at Miami Township. From the moment Jim walked through the door, everyone was warm, welcoming, and kind. He made many fast friends there, and the family is deeply grateful for the compassion shown to all of them.