Royal James Dolly

On March 29, 2012 a quick and courageous battle with cancer, has brought Jim Dolly, a life-long resident of Watsonville, to the gates of heaven; where he’s met by all of faithful furry friends throughout his life. Let’s hope that his departed loved ones can get through those wagging tails to welcome him home.

Jim was born February 23, 1945 to Elmer & Lena (Smith) Dolly in the old Watsonville Hospital on Montecito Ave. A graduate of Watsonville High in 1963, he continued his education in the engineering department at Cabrillo College. There he met the love of his life, Susan Bruha, whom he married in May 1967. Three children followed, and he was loyal to his family to the end.

A hardworking man, Jim started his career at Ametek Pacific Extrusions, but due to his love of cars, his hobby soon became his profession. For the next 15 years, he worked in the autobody trade. He owned Cabrillo Body Shop on Freedom Blvd, where he became the “master” with the frame machine. Due to his excellent attention to detail, you could also find him in the local bodyshops around town helping & teaching the trade. He finally settled in at the Freedom Body Shop. His next stop for 25+ years, which he dearly loved, was at Driscoll Strawberries/KB Farms- in Aromas. As the shop supervisor, he repaired, designed, and fabricated agricultural equipment, with his “shop cat” by his side.

Jim had a remarkable memory, and numbers were his specialty (i.e.: the human calculator), and we will never forget his unique sayings. Nothing surpassed his extensive knowledge of the Civil War Era & the gun slingers of the Wild West. John Wayne & Doc Holiday were personal favorites. His love of animals knew no bounds, and he was forever “joined at the hip” with his two spaniels: Bentley Pierre Beauregard & Maggie Belle.

Those that wait behind to join him again are: his beloved wife of 44 years: Susan, his daughters: Jennifer (David Miyahara & their two children, Jordan & William), Jeanette Dolly (Andy Kneass & their child Jake), son Brett Dolly (Amanda- fiancé), his older sister ( “little sister”) Barbara Goethe, a wonderful sister-in-law Margie Taylor, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents & brothers Norris (Elizabethtown, New York ) & Jack Dolly (Watsonville, CA).

You will be greatly missed, Jim.

Ave Maria Memorial Chapel has ben entrusted with the arrangements



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