Olin James Doggart

James "Bull" Doggart, 92, of Manchester, CT, beloved husband of 65 years to his pre-deceased wife, Doris T. (Dancosse) Doggart, died peacefully Friday, Oct. 21, 2016 at Hartford Hospital with his family by his side.
He was born Feb. 5, 1924, in Hartford, CT, son of the late Robert and Jennie (Beebe) Doggart and lived most of his life in Manchester and Vernon. James retired after many years with the Manchester Post Office and spent his early retirement years with Doris in Port Charlotte, Fla., where they loved to be. They were natural dance partners and were always "The Ones to Watch" when cutting a rug.
James loved spending time with family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His eyes would light up every time he had the opportunity to hold the newest additions to the family in his caring arms. James was just as strong as he was compassionate, earning his nickname Bull while playing football in high school. After high school he went on to join the Army and fought bravely in WWII, where he stormed the beaches of Normandy on D-Day.
James remained very active after his time in the military, playing semi-professional football in Manchester. Once he had his children, James went on to coach in the midget football league, also in Manchester. He won countless medals as an individual swimmer and diver in the Senior Olympics. James was also a member of the VFW, where he volunteered his time selling poppies to raise money for veteran assistance programs.
He is survived by his son, James E. Doggart, and his wife, Joanne, of Chatham, Mass. and his two daughters, Diane M. Morey of Manchester, and Pamela J. Surridge and her companion, Travis Potter, of Windham. James was a loving and devoted grandfather to his nine grandchildren, Jennifer, Michael, Melissa, Caitlin, Courtney, Meghan, Harley, Erin, and Jesse; twelve great-grandchildren, Jacob, Zachary, Benjamin, Rachael, Katherine, Belen, Emilee, James, Tillie, Mateo, Ty, and Alexander, with two more expected with great anticipation in January; and several nieces and nephews. James is also survived by his youngest sister, Mary Crocker of Glastonbury, and was predeceased by a sister and two brothers.
The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the staff of the Intensive Care Unit and the second floor of the Conklin Building at Hartford Hospital for the loving care and respect shown to the family during his time there.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, at 11 a.m. at Talcottville Congregational Church, 10 Elm Hill Road, Vernon. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Bernard's Cemetery in Rockville, with a reception to follow back at the church.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity supporting veterans' well-being. The Holmes Funeral Home in Manchester has care of arrangements. To leave a message for his family please visit www.holmes-watkinsfuneralhomes.com .


Service DetailsSaturday, November 5th, 2016 11:00am, Talcottville Congregational Church
Interment DetailsSt. Bernard's Cemetery