Jim Doolittle

James “Jim” Michael Doolittle, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and son passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on March 19, 2025 at the age of 62. He was raised in Marin County and resided in Sonoma County for over 40 years. He graduated from St. Vincent de Paul High School in 1980, and soon thereafter married his high school sweetheart, Terese Dawson. He was a loving husband for over 43 years and a devoted father and family man. He is survived by his wife, Terese; his children Emily (Charlie), Jacob (Kristen), and Danielle (Caileen); his grandchildren Sydney, Annabelle, Mikey, Luke, and Eleanor; his mother, Kathy; and his siblings Denny (Karen), Chris (Natasha), and Mary Ann (Jim). He was predeceased by his father, Mike Doolittle. He was incredibly proud of his entire family and found exceptional joy in his grandchildren.

His work ethic was unsurpassed. Following in the footsteps of his father, he retired after over 40 years as a painting contractor, with many loyal customers. He was a pillar of the Petaluma community, devoting himself for many years as a football, basketball, and track coach for St. Vincent de Paul High School as well as dedicating 6.5 years as a volunteer for the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team. His happiest moments were spent outside backpacking, camping, hunting, fishing, and hiking. In the last decade, it was his grandchildren that brought him unfettered joy-teaching them card games, bringing them on trips to the paint store, and watching them explore new activities and hobbies.

Jim was fueled by his community-always ready to help a neighbor or a friend. He found great purpose in his work with the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team and enjoyed woodworking and knife making in his later years. His faith was strong and his compassion unlimited.

He will be lovingly remembered as a kind-hearted man whose life was defined by his faith, humility and generosity. A rosary will be held at Parent-Sorensen Mortuary and Crematory, 850 Keokuk St., Petaluma on Thursday, April 10 at 6:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, April 11 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 35 Liberty St., Petaluma, luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team. Contributions can be made online at https://www.sonomasar.org/html/donate.html or by mailing a tax-deductible check to Sonoma County Search and Rescue, P.O. Box 1905, Windsor, CA 95492."