Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
James Docker Obituary
He attended Aquinas High School in New Britain, Conn., and received his B.A. degree from Assumption College in Worcester, Mass.
Most recently, he was public information director at Senior Friendship Centers in Fort Myers, Fla. Previously, he worked as press secretary to Sen. Lowell Weicker and as editor of the Norwich Bulletin. In Rochester, Vt., he and his wife were getting their farm property, Amber Moon Alpacas, ready when Tropical Storm Irene hit in 2011 and in trying to save the garage, he contracted pneumonia.
He was past president of the Kiwanis Club of Cape Coral, Fla., where he and his wife volunteered at the Kiwanis Thrift Store, as well as at the Animal Refuge Center in North Fort Myers.
Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Carol Neumann Howard Docker; three children, Michael, Kathryn and Thomas; stepchildren Mark and Cristen Howard; a brother, William Docker; and five grandchildren.
The memorial service and celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 14, at Angelico's Lake House Restaurant, 81 North Main St., East Hampton, Conn.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 1311 Mamaroneck Ave., Suite 310, White Plains, NY 10605 or online at www.LLS.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Docker
Barbara Howard
April 17, 2012
My deepest sympathy Carol, Mark, Cristen and the rest of Jim's family at this time of sorrow. He is in God's care now and what better care could we ever ask for him? Now I pray for your comfort in the days ahead. God bless you and keep you in His tender care and love for all eternity.....love and miss you all
Will Theriault
April 16, 2012
I am sorry to hear that more folks from Rochester did not leave a note. I am from Rochester and have not lived there since 1996, but I would like to say sorry to the family and friends of James.
Kelly Anthony
April 16, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the family. I spent many good hours with Jim in the Norwich Bulletin newsroom...and always enjoyed his antics like racing up to Vermont with Ken Keely to buy a wood stove. Rest in peace and in God's love Jim.
April 16, 2012
I love you Jim and I miss you more than words can say.
Your wife and best friend, Carol
Peg Palmer
April 13, 2012
We miss you Jim! Your wit, humor and practical knowledge of almost anything made you a joy to work with. Knowing you enriched our lives. My deepest sympathy to the Docker family!
Erin McLeod
April 12, 2012
Carol - what a character he was. When I heard the news, my mind was full of Docker-isms. One of my favorites had to do with him being the "sherpa carrying the fatwa up the mountain." The first time I interviewed him to work at Senior Friendship Centers and explained he was overqualified for this entry level position, he just grinned that goofy grin and said, "I was actually looking for the exit level position"...and he was hired. He adored you, his kids/grands, his pets, and his life. He touched us all in such a profound and funny way...he will be missed. We still have the Docker tree on our Sarasota campus. I'd better go water it. Peace to you.
Obe Wood
April 12, 2012
My prayers and thoughts are with you in your loss. I worked at the Norwich Bulletin when Jim was there many many years ago and he was always a good and caring person. Have a lot of good memories from the Bulletin, and he is one of them.
April 12, 2012
Jim was a class act! He gave me good counsel at all times. To carol and all the children my heartfelt sympathies . LOWELL WEICKER(old lyme ct.)
matthew curran
April 11, 2012
best wishes to you all sorry for your loss
Butch Goble
April 11, 2012
Carol,
Jim was a class guy both on and off the football field. I am proud to have called him my friend. As Treasurer of South Gulf Football Officials Assn. I will be sending a donation to the LLS in loving memory and in honor of Jim.
Dean Festa
April 11, 2012
Will miss you brother. I will never forget we we both ran out first marathon together in East Lyme. I couldn't have done it without you. Rest easy..
April 11, 2012
Jim will be missed. Best wishes to the family. Bill Brown ( Cape Coral)
Lynn (Healey) Martin
April 11, 2012
Carol -
My sincere condolences on your great loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ken Reese
April 10, 2012
I remember Jim as a man who loved football and had many good times with his fellow officials. Jim was one of the first to volunteer when a group of our officials went to clean up dammage from hurricane Charlie. He will be missed. I extend my sympathy to Jim's family.
Allan Nicholson
April 10, 2012
Carol,
Jim wasn't only a fellow Official,but also a friend.I will miss him.Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
Gil Whitmore
April 10, 2012
Jim always had a wonderful attitude regardless of what he was doing. I met Jim through football officiating. He loved working with the kids and always had a positive message for them, regardless of the situation. I think that would be the same even now. After a hurricane hit our area Jim volunteered to worked in an inland community. I doubt he knew anyone that lived there, that was just the kind of guy he was. The world could use more Jim Dockers. He will be missed. Gil Whitmore, South Gulf Football Officials Association.
Frank Perry
April 10, 2012
Ms. Docker: I have such fond memories of working with Jim down here in Ft. Myers with the SGFOA. I also looked so much forward to his Facebook comments.
I am in prayer for you and your family that God's strength and courage be with you and your family through these tough times.
God Bless,
Frank L. Perry, Sr.
Lydia Lowell-Sherman
April 10, 2012
Carol and family, we share your grief with broken hearts and the fondest of memories of Jim. Lydia and Steve Sherman
April 10, 2012
Jim,
Thanks for the memories
John Mantica
April 10, 2012
Carol,
You have my deepest sympathy. Jim was a good friend and a great referee. He will be missed by many.
Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results
Make a Donation
in James Docker's name
Memorial Events
for James Docker
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Docker's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
