James Thomas "Jim" Dolan

DALLAS-James Thomas “Jim” Dolan, 66, passed away on October 6, 2019, in Waynesville, NC. Jim was born in Houston, TX on September 16, 1953, to the late Jack Thomas and Nancy Preece Dolan and was an adventurous and brilliant kid who enjoyed life with his family and friends. Jim was in the Class of '76 at the United States Air Force Academy. While serving in the Air Force, Jim married his sweetheart Sally, and they enjoyed raising two kids while Jim served as a pilot for 13 years flying C-130 Hercules and Short C-23 Sherpa. Jim continued his career as a pilot for American Airlines for 25 years, retiring in 2013. In 2007, Jim had the inspiration to share the magic of kayak fishing with active duty military in rehab, so he invited a group of PTSD and amputee soldiers along on a trip with some kayak-fishing friends. The event made an incredible impact on everyone involved. That modest beginning quickly expanded into Heroes on the Water, a 501(c)(3) with many dozens of chapters around the country providing alternative therapeutic programs for thousands of veterans, active-duty military, first responders and their families as they relax, rehabilitate and reintegrate through kayak fishing and the outdoors. Jim’s legacy with Heroes on the Water will continue as more and more people benefit from the opportunities to Paddle, Fish, Heal.

Jim’s memory will live in the hearts of his wife of 41 years, Sally Robins Dolan, their son Justin Dolan and wife Tatum Doan Dolan, and their daughter Kate Dolan Wham and her husband Colin Wham. Jim will also be remembered fondly by his brother Michael Dolan with his wife Rhonda and four sons; by his brother Tom Dolan with his wife Toni and their three daughters; by his sister Cathy Dolan Knoll with her husband Ed and their two sons; and by countless friends and extended family.

All friends and family are invited to participate in Jim’s memorial service and life celebration on Friday, October 25, 2019. Jim’s memorial service will be held at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery at 3:00 p.m. with participation by the Patriot Guard and full military honors rendered by the US Air Force and DFW Honor Guard. Following the service, a celebration of Jim’s life will be held at Mountain Creek Lake Park Pavilion with memories, pictures, stories, and Jim’s favorite BBQ.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions honoring Jim’s life and service may be made to www.heroesonthewater.org

Jim’s family offers sincere thanks to EMS services from the area of Waynesville. NC, to the people at the Creekwood Farm RV Park in Waynesville, NC, and to all who have offered support since Jim’s death.