Longtime Fair Havenite David James “Jim” Dooling passed away on Feb. 21. He was 81.

“His love of family was evident throughout his life and he always took the time to attend family events … Jim’s family and friends miss his charismatic personality, his varied interests, and his generous spirit. He was a spectacular storyteller, kind, generous and loved laughing — which always started with a distinct ‘whoop.’ Jim had a wonderful sense of humor and a genuine interest in people, always being present when in your company. He always loved an audience, and his driving tours of NYC and NJ were legendary, as factual as they were entertaining. He was passionate about Broadway, opera, movies, and travel.”

Loved ones of Jim Dooling in his obituary

Born in Syracuse, NY, Jim attended St. John the Evangelist High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from St. Bernard’s in Rochester, NY. Jim earned his master’s and doctorate degrees in experimental psychology from SUNY Buffalo.

He taught at Kent State University from 1969 to 1976. Jim then went on to Bell Laboratories and relocated his family to NJ, settling in Fair Haven. He worked at Bell Laboratories from 1976 until retirement in 1993. In retirement, Jim was an adjunct professor at Kean University.

Jim is predeceased by his parents, H. David and Elanor (Devine) Dooling.

Jim is survived by his wife, Carol (Day), who he shared a marriage with for 57 years with “never a cross word,” as Jim would say.

He is also survived by: his daughter, Jessica, in whom he “took much pride and love”; his brother, John Dooling and wife Pamela, of East Syracuse, NY, Betty Ann Stark, of DeWitt, NY, and Katie Cusick, of Syracuse, NY; a niece and 7 nephews; 15 great-nieces and nephews, several cousins and may other dear family members and friends.

A memorial gathering will be held at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank, at a later date.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Thompson Memorial Home

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