Mr. James "Jim" Michael Dolan

Jim found great comfort in his last days, feeling blessed to spend his last days on his own terms, finding the strength to bid farewell after a life well lived, which he dubbed “a good run.”

Jim leaves behind his beloved wife, Karen; two daughters: Allison Griffin (Brian) of North Richland Hills, TX and Megan Dolan of Jacksonville, FL; two stepdaughters: Melissa Essler (Josh) of Frisco, TX, and Mallory Gothard (Travis) of Seagoville, TX; four grandchildren: Reagan Griffin, Kate and Eli Essler, and Rayland Kenimer; brothers: David Dolan (Terri) of Lebanon, NJ, and Donald Dolan (Sharon) of Crystal Lake, IL and many nieces, nephews and grandnephews. Jim also leaves behind his dog Max, his best friend and loyal companion. Jim never met a stranger - countless dear friends now mourn his passing.

Jim was preceded in death by Allison and Megan’s mom, Linda Dolan; his brother, Michael Dolan; and his parents, James and Audrey Dolan, who have now welcomed him in heaven.

Born August 11, 1953 in Chicago, IL, Jim was the second of four boys. He graduated from Prospect High School in Mount Prospect, IL in 1971 and the University of Illinois Chicago in 1974. Jim married Linda (Becker) Dolan July 19, 1975 and they lived in Arlington Heights, IL with their two daughters, Allison and Megan.

Jim enjoyed a successful career in mortgage banking where many co-workers became his life-long friends. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and enjoyed volunteering at St. James Catholic church. Jim loved to organize fundraisers and events to help those less fortunate. Jim mastered the art of teaching kids how to ride a bike and was counted on to teach all the neighborhood kids how to ditch their training wheels. He built the best backyard playcenter in town, complete with an observation deck, suspension bridge and folding ladder. Jim’s favorite times were when the house was full of children’s laughter. He made everyone feel welcome, both kids and grown-ups alike.

After Linda’s passing in 2002, Jim’s job relocated him from Chicago to Jacksonville, FL where he enjoyed riding his motorcycle and deep-sea fishing. Jim took pleasure in organizing social events for his ABN-AMRO coworkers at Conference Room G, including fun golf tournaments and Friday night martini parties at his home. After extensive research, Jim confirmed that the Conch House in St. Augustine had the best calamari in Florida.

Jim married Karen Gothard in Jacksonville on April 13, 2008, after which they threw an unforgettable party with their family and friends. Shortly thereafter, they relocated to Texas where they eventually settled in Celina. He loved the many new friends he made in his retired men’s group, the McRATS.

Jim enjoyed working on his house and yard, feeding the birds, watching movies, shooting, riding his motorcycle and everything “Texan.” Most of all, he loved being Papa Jim. Papa Jim always had candy and special treats for the grandkids and found tremendous joy playing with them.

Jim leaves a Texas-sized hole in all our hearts.

Family and Friends are invited for a Memorial Gathering at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home located at 57275 Colleyville Blvd, Colleyville, Texas 76034 on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 from 11:00am-12:30pm.

A "Life Well Celebrated" Memorial Service will follow at 12:30pm in the Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home Premium Event Space.

Jim will be interred to the Dolan family plot at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines, IL at a future date.

If you wish to send flowers in honor of Jim Dolan please contact Lilium Floral Design at 817-589-1566 or http://www.liliumflorals.com.