James Edward Dolan

Consummate family man and long- time financial manager James Edward Dolan passed away on Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, from complications due to COVID-19. He was 71. Jim is survived by his three children, Theresa Westlund, Chris Dolan and John Dolan and his six grandchildren, Stephanie, Elena, Joshua, Joseph, Brennan and Evan.

Jim was born in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho, on Sept. 26, 1950 to Phil and Mary Dolan. He grew up in a loving home, one of five children. As a boy he learned to cherish the outdoors and was known for his love of Spirit Lake and for his skills at fly fishing and water skiing.

In his early teens, Jim learned the value of hard work from time spent with his father, Phil, and from working under often-dangerous conditions at a local saw mill. He graduated from Gonzaga University in 1973 where he was the senior class president and a member of the campus ministry team. He was known by his classmates for being supremely honest and uncompromising when it came to ethics and moral values.

After graduation, Jim found his calling in sales. In the following years he sold air time for Spokane television station KXLY, worked on marketing and distribution of a marine safety sensor his uncle invented and sold office furniture for Boise Cascade Corp. In his spare time he studied for his securities license, passed rigorous tests and training and became a financial advisor with Edward Jones where he built a thriving business in Federal Way.

Jim was a showman at heart, as displayed through his love of dancing and singing. Often on weekend nights he would dress all in black and head out to one of the local dance clubs. "The man in black" seldom lacked for partners. During his life, he wrote several original songs and poems, and often performed for those close to him, including his friends at the "Bashon Vashon," an annual get together of his Gonzaga mates. He had a booming, unmistakable singing voice that friends swore could be heard across Puget Sound.

He loved Gonzaga Basketball and boating on Lake Chelan, Spirit Lake and, more recently, Lake Pend Oreille.

Jim always put family first, and over the years maintained close ties with his siblings. He was devastated when he lost his older brother, Steve, to cancer in 2018. Jim is survived by his brothers Tim and Dave and his sister, Annie. He is also survived by Steve's spouse, Janet, Tim's spouse, Debbie and his former wife, mother of his children and life-time friend, Becky.

Above all, Jim was known by his friends and family to be loyal and honest, and by his children as a beloved father.

Jim Dolan’s burial will be a private family service on 11/13 in Spirit Lake Idaho. This event will be limited to family and is an outdoor event where masks and vaccinations are required.

Jim Dolan’s Celebration of life will be in Seattle on December 4th, 2021 at 11 am at the Fauntleroy Church in West Seattle, and a reception will immediately follow the 11 am service at the Hall at Fauntleroy directly across the street from the Fauntleroy church. The Church and Hall require masks and vaccinated guests only. 

All in attendance should have either their vaccine cards or the digital version of a vaccine card for both the service and the reception, and please wear a mask during the service and at the reception to follow. Thank you. 

https://waverify.doh.wa.gov/

Here is the private YouTube link for family and friends who will be watching online. The following link will become live 10 minutes before the memorial service begins, with a picture and prelude music from the sanctuary playing: 

Celebration of Life for James Dolan - YouTube

Questions can be directed to Jim’s daughter Theresa Westlund via email: theresawestlund@hotmail.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Edward Dolan, please visit our floral store.