Obituary for James T. "Jay" Dooley, III
August 24, 1951 – December 17, 2017
James
T. “Jay” Dooley, III, 66, of Redding passed away at his home on December
17, 2017 after a long struggle with cancer.
Jay was born in Redding on August 24, 1951 to James T. “Ted” Dooley, II and Carol J. (McArthur) Dooley. He married Cheryl L. “Cherri” Givler on January 28, 1984 in Monterey. He was an alumni of Hiram Johnson High School in Sacramento, University of California at Davis, and the University of Pacific McGeorge School of Law.
Most of Jay’s formative years were spent in Sacramento. He was outgoing and popular with a larger than life personality, and was active in baseball and swimming and diving. He was a quick and agile infielder and base runner, getting on base at times that others would have been thrown out at first. Which is good because he wasn’t exactly a power hitter. In high school he competed in diving sectionals, and was fearless on the high board. In later years he helped coach his children’s baseball and soccer teams, and competed himself in tennis right up until just before his death. Jay practiced family law in Redding for almost 40 years, and was known for his honesty, fairness, and compassion in dealing with families going through very difficult times. It was almost impossible to be in Jay’s presence and not feel good. He loved sports and was a passionate NFL watcher (and yeller), and loved being outdoors fishing, boating, and rafting. He was quick with a joke and was NEVER sarcastic. (Anyone who knows Jay recognizes that THAT was sarcasm)
Jay is survived by his wife of 34 years Cherri Dooley, his Mother-in-law Greta Givler, his daughter Lydia Giardetti, his granddaughter Naomi Giardetti, his brother Jeff Dooley, his cousin Valera Dickinson, and many other loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Carol Dooley and his son James T. “J.T.” Dooley, IV.
Special thanks to the staff of Dignity Health Mercy Hospice for their compassionate, professional care and guidance for Jay and his caregivers. Thanks also to Jay’s brother Jeff Dooley and special friends Manuel Garcia and Diane Welch, and to all those who cared for Jay with their love and prayers.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Redding Christian Fellowship, Victor Ave. south of Mistletoe, on January 26, 2018 at 1:30 pm, with a reception following at the church. Further information can be found at www.mcdonaldschapel.com
In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to Dignity Health Mercy Hospice, 2625 Edith Avenue, Suite E, Redding, CA 96001, the American Cancer Society, or another charitable organization of your choice.
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