James Doyle

Jim Doyle, 82, of Davenport, passed away on March 8, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Jim had a very successful career, but his greatest accomplishment was being a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to so many.

Jim’s abiding faith in God carried him throughout his life, and we believe he is now in Heaven next to God and with his beloved daughter, Molly.

Jim enjoyed entertaining and having a house full of people, especially at the Doyle annual Christmas parties where one hundred guests enjoyed festive decorations and numerous delicious desserts made by his wife Nancy. His hobby was shining shoes, which he turned into a business called Reflections, and delighted in talking with his clients each week.

James Edward John Doyle was born May 21, 1942, in an old farmhouse near Farmer, South Dakota. He was the son of Lucille and Edward Doyle. He graduated from St. Peter’s Catholic grade school and Edgerton Consolidated High School, Farmer.

Jim also graduated from Dakota State University, Madison with a B.S. Degree in Secondary Education majoring in English, minoring in Psychology. While there he was editor of the college newspaper, helped establish the Newman Club (Catholic) while working 30 hours a week at a Chrysler dealership. He was voted “Mr. Personality” on campus.

After graduation in 1964 Jim taught junior and senior high school English in Brewster, Minnesota. Following that, he entered graduate school at Iowa State University, Ames where he earned his Master of Science degree, and became a member of the faculty and taught writing and photography.

Jim married his beautiful wife, Nancy McGuire, August 13, 1966, at Holy Name Catholic Church, Rock Rapids, Iowa. Together, they had three children whom he loved with all his heart: Jon, Patrick, and Molly Doyle.

Upon graduation from Iowa State University, Jim joined Deere & Company, Moline, Illinois where he spent the next 34 ½ years. The majority of this time he was involved in advertising – primarily international. One highlight was producing a new product introduction in Paris, France, for dealers in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. In 1977, he, Nancy and the children were transferred to Brussels, Belgium where he served as Manager of International Advertising – Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

Upon return to the U.S. in 1980, he was on a Special Assignment in which he produced new product introductions throughout the U.S. Later, Jim became Manager of International Advertising – covering all product lines worldwide. When the Company reorganized, he joined the newly formed Licensing Group where he developed the retail program producing and marketing John Deere licensed merchandise.

Jim is survived by his wife of 58 years, Nancy; son, Jon (wife, Charlotte) and grandchildren Grace Anne and Charles Doyle, Naples, Florida; son, Patrick Doyle, Davenport; sister, Colleen (husband, Ken) Ring, Nebraska; brothers: Tim (wife, Sharon); Patrick (wife, Paulette); Kevin (wife, Karen) Doyle all from South Dakota, many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Molly Doyle, parents, Lucille and Edward Doyle; sister, Louella (husband, Walter) Canney; brother, Richard (wife, Marilyn) Doyle; and brother, Kenneth Doyle.

May God bless him and grant him eternal peace.

A celebration of his life and Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 4 PM at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Davenport. 

Online remembrances may be expressed at www.hmdfuneralhome.com.