James Doten

James Edward Doten 7/9/30 - 1/3/11 Resident of Danville Jim passed away at his home in Danville on January 3, 2011. He lost his battle with cancer, which he had courageously fought for over three years. He was 80 years old. He was born in Kenmore, North Dakota and moved to California with his family at the age of 5. He was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Marion Doten, his sister and brother-in-law Virginia and Lloyd Callaway, and his brother Robert. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Beverly. He is also survived by his daughters, Linda, her husband Kenneth Place, Kathryn and her husband Kip Siegel, and Susan Young. He is also survived by five grandchildren Ryan and his wife Ryane Siegel, Christopher Siegel, Christina, Stephanie and Andrew Young and great granddaughter, Harper Siegel. He also leaves two step-granddaughters and their families. He is survived by his brother Donald and his wife Patricia Doten, three nieces, three nephews, and their families. He was a graduate of Armstrong Business College in Berkeley. Jim was involved in the automotive business from the time he was 17 years old and during his life he owned seven different automobile franchises, the most recent being Hyundai at Hilltop Auto Mall in Richmond, CA. He was a past president of both Northern California Oldsmobile Dealers and Northern California Honda Dealers and was on the board of East Bay Car Dealers Assoc. He also served as a board member of several Home Owners Associations. In the 1960's Jim was a realtor and developed and founded Buckingham Golf and Country Club in Lake County, Ca. and was President of Konocti Lands Inc, a land development company there. Jim and Beverly owned a walnut and cattle ranch for many years in Lake County. Jim loved golf and enjoyed playing many courses in the Palm Desert area and in Hawaii, especially in Kauai where he and Beverly owned a home for over 20 years. He was a devout football fan of the Oakland Raiders and a Cal Bear Backer. A highlight of each year was a trip to Orca Island to be with special friends. He had a great affection for all dogs and owned many in his lifetime. He was happiest spending time with his family and friends and especially with his new great granddaughter. Jim touched many lives with his kind and gentle way and will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. He was deeply loved and will live forever in our hearts. A Celebration of Life will be held on January 15, 2011 at Diablo Country Club at 2:00 pm.