James C Dovel

James “Jim” Dovel, 94, passed away peacefully on October 21, 2023 at Novant New Hanover Regional Medical Center, after a brief battle with pneumonia, and surrounded by his loving family.

Jim was born on November 27, 1928 in Rockville Centre, NY to the late Henry Clay Dovel and Mary Dowdswell Dovel. He grew up on Long Island, NY and graduated from Baldwin High School, Baldwin, NY, in 1946, enlisting in the U.S. Army at age 17. Jim proudly served in Korea as a military policeman, gaining rank of sergeant. After his honorable discharge, he attended Hofstra College in Hempstead, NY where he enjoyed pitching for their baseball team. After college, Jim worked in the textile field, retiring with National Spinning Company in 1984 as Senior Regional Sales Manager.

Jim is preceded in death by his son James Clayton Dovel, Jr. He is survived by his beloved wife of 73 years, Virginia “Ginny” Dovel and leaves behind 6 children, Keith Dovel, Theresa Bowman (David), Virginia Best (Sam), Kevin Dovel (Cindy), Thomas Dovel (Tamara) and Christopher Dovel (Patrice); 11 grandchildren who loved their "Pops" dearly, Emily Robbins (Cory), Rory Dovel, Jamie Best, Matthew Dovel, Natalie Dovel, Kelly Padua (Bogdan), Reagan Dovel, Ryan Dovel (Rena), Zoe Dovel, Tyler Dovel and Kealin Dovel; and 3 great-grandchildren, Chase Robbins, Charli Robbins and Liam Padua.

Also surviving are his much-loved sister Jackie Reece and special nieces Leslie, Abby, Melissa and Amy.

Jim cherished his friends especially his 86-year friendship with Robert "Bucko" Morrissey. He loved sharing stories with his family of their antics as young boys growing up on Long Island, NY. He also held dear, special friends Frank and Martha Webster, Claire Mains, Leigh Gregory and Larry and Terry Cleveland.

Jim, cherished his family, first and foremost, especially his bride Ginny whom he loved with every ounce of his being throughout their 73-year marriage. They had 7 children who are blessed to have grown up with their loving parents in a warm, fun and loving home. In more recent years Jim loved "holding court” in his recliner surrounded by his family, enjoying good conversation and a glass of wine. His quick wit and sense of humor could always make us laugh. He was a lifelong fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers and NY Mets, and was a true student of the game of baseball. Jim also had a love of music, especially Big Band and Dixieland and he took up the saxophone at the age of 76, playing with the New Horizon’s concert band for several years.

Many happy family memories were made over the years at homes on Holden Beach, NC. Jim and Ginny loved working together to make these homes the perfect place for family to come relax, love, laugh and ride the waves, and that we certainly did. Jim had a heart of gold, with a concern for those less fortunate. He would go to great lengths to see that a wrong was righted. Jim was one-of-a-kind. He was larger than life and filled with a love and exuberance for life that will be greatly missed.

The family wishes to express their gratitude for all the loving caregivers and medical personnel who contributed to Jim’s care and comfort, including Dean Karras, MD, the staff at Bradley Creek Rehab Center and the amazing nurses on the Progressive Care Unit (PCU) at Novant New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

There are no formal services planned. The family will have a gathering to celebrate his life at a later date. Those wishing to make a donation in Jim’s memory could consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.