James Francis Doyle

James “Jim” Francis Doyle returned home to God on January 15, 2024 just two weeks short of his 83rd birthday. Jim was surrounded by his family who lovingly walked with him during the days before his death. Born to James and Bernice Doyle, Jim grew up in Sacramento. Jim was a man of deep devotion: to God, to Laura, his wife of 58 years, to his children Brian, Maureen, Terese and husband Steve, Michelle and husband David, Kevin and wife Laurie, and Erin and husband Mat, to his grandchildren, Jennifer, Brianna, Brennan, Morgan, Gillian, Killian, Ronan, Jameson and Connor and great grandchildren, Cooper and Penny and to his extended family especially his sisters Patricia Schiele and Sister Mary Katherine Doyle RSM.

Jim was the rock of our family. He was a hard worker, a true steward of the land, humble, kind, loving and an inspiration to many. Jim was a generous man, always wanting to help those in need and touched the lives of so many through his teaching, mentoring, advice, tough love and prayers.

Jim had a great love for creation. After finishing St. Joseph Seminary High School in Santa Cruz, he received a degree in Agronomy at the University of California, Davis. Immediately after his graduation, he was called to serve in the US Army during the Vietnam War. Upon his discharge from service, he began his work as a Field Research Technician for University of California, Davis in the Pomology department where he served until his retirement. His expertise in this niche discipline was marked by mentoring new research professors as well as technicians and developing new varieties of prunes, figs, Asian pears, and stone fruit. He was regarded as an expert in the fruit breeding industry collaborating on many published works.

Family and faith were always first in his life. He was a loving husband, father, brother and a faithful disciple of Christ Jesus. His funeral will be held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, in Fresno, CA on January 31st at 10 a.m. The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Bishop Gallegos Maternity Home of Sacramento (https://bgmhsacramento.org/support-us) or Poverello House of Fresno (https://poverellohouse.org/).