James J. Doyle Sr., Of Cherry Hill, NJ, legendary New Jersey high school football coach, educator, and veteran of the Korean War, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on January 5th, 2023. He was 93 years old.
Jim was an adoring husband of 49 years to Mary G. Doyle (nee Gontz) of Philadelphia, PA, a loving father of Mary G. Tandourjian and husband Aaron Tandourjian of Mt. Laurel, NJ; Kathleen M. Belz and husband Jim Belz of Marlton, NJ; Peggi Hoffman and husband Garry Hoffman of Medford, NJ; Jim J. Doyle Jr. and wife Margie Doyle of Cherry Hill, NJ; Colleen Flood and husband Colonel (Ret.) Brian Flood of Tampa, FL; and Tricia DeLaMater and husband Colonel (Ret.) Douglas DeLaMater of Little Rock, AR. Jim was a devoted grandfather of Mary Margaret and Gregory Tandourjian; Megan, Jim Jr., and Ryan Belz; Erich and Krista Hoffmann; Jake Doyle; Colleen and Shannon Flood; and Jenna, Mason, Christian, and Danica DeLaMater. Jim is survived by his dear brother Joseph Doyle of Philadelphia, PA. Jim was predeceased by his beloved sisters Dorothea O’Barr, Joan Borski, and Florence Holman, all of Philadelphia.
Born on July 19th, 1929, Jim spent his formative years in Philadelphia and attended St. Joseph’s Preparatory School before transferring to Roman Catholic High School, graduating with the class of 1948. He was an accomplished swimmer at both schools. Jim served his country in the U.S. Army, from March 29, 1951, to March 29, 1953. During his time in the service, Jim earned his Parachutist Badge from the U.S. Army Basic Airborne Course at Fort Benning, Georgia and was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky as a member of the 101st Airborne Division Screaming Eagles. Jim was assigned to the 89th Airborne Field Artillery Battalion, Service Battery, and deployed to the Korean Peninsula to support allied operations in defense of the Republic of Korea. He was honorably discharged after two years of distinguished service and was thereafter accepted to Temple University. While at Temple, Jim excelled as a scholar-athlete, playing four years of both varsity football and golf, eventually being named Captain of the Temple Golf Team. Following graduation from Temple in 1957, Jim went on to a truly remarkable career as a high school educator and award-winning coach of both football and track in South Jersey. His football coaching career comprised eighteen years as a head coach and four years as an assistant over twenty-two consecutive years at three schools: Glassboro High School (1957-1966), Lenape Regional High School (1966-1967), and Triton High School (1967-1978). With an impressive career record, including one group IV New Jersey State Sectional Championship, one undefeated season, and an unprecedented six Olympic Conference Championships, Jim was inducted to the Glassboro Hall of Fame, the Triton Hall of Fame, the South Jersey Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and the National Football Foundation, South Jersey Chapter, Hall of Fame. He was awarded the “Special Recognition Award” from the National Football Foundation, South Jersey Chapter, in 1979. Coach Doyle was notably one of the original founding members of the Olympic Conference, which continues a tradition of academic and athletic excellence worthy of his legacy as a teacher, coach, and mentor, both on and off the field.
After retirement from coaching, Jim was instrumental in helping his son, Jim, and daughters Mary and Kathy, start their family business, Shades of Paper. He took charge and figured out how to box and ship products and organize the inventory. He ran a tight ship. Jim was still coming in to work until six months ago and was a mentor to the entire work force. He was and will remain “Popper,” and will be missed by everyone at Shades of Paper. Jim also continued to enjoy his passion for golf after retiring from education, serving as the Starter at Rancocas Golf Club for over 20 years.
Throughout it all, in every aspect of his life, Jim remained centered on “family” – his immediate “family,” his “football family,” his “track & field family,” – and ultimately, on every one of us lucky enough to have known him. Jim’s strong Catholic faith was vitally important to him and his loved ones, and he remained an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Cherry Hill until his passing.
Relatives and friends are invited to a viewing which will take place on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 from 4PM to 7PM in the Catholic Church of St. Mary, 2001 Springdale Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 11AM, also at St. Mary’s, with the interment and military honors to follow at Locustwood Memorial Park, Cherry Hill, NJ. There is no morning viewing at church before Mass.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Coach Jim Doyle Pavilion c/o Triton High School: c/o Melissa Sheppard, Principal: 250 Schubert Avenue, Runnemede, NJ 08078 or Samaritan Hospice: c/o Samaritan Gift Processing Center: P.O. Box 71425, Philadelphia, PA 19176-1425. Please write in memo: James J. Doyle, Sr.
Condolences and Memories may be shared at www.mccannhealey.com under the obituary of James J. Doyle, Sr. Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries may be made through: McCann-Healey Funeral Home : Gloucester City Ph: 856 – 456 – 1142
