James Valentine Doyle Jr.

1926 - 2026

COCA BEACH - James Valentine Doyle Jr. (Jim or Jimmy), 99, passed away peacefully at home Feb. 22, 2026, after a full day of family visits. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 5, at Church of Our Saviour in Cocoa Beach, with a short reception to follow. The Rosary will be recited at 9 a.m. preceding the Mass. Burial is at 3 p.m. the same day at Oakdale Cemetery in DeLand.
Jimmy was born Nov. 21, 1926, in DeLand.
He graduated from DeLand High School in June 1944 and thereafter enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve, serving honorably as a yeoman third class from November 1944 to August 1946. He was stationed in the Philippines during World War II.
Following his military service, Jimmy earned a Bachelor of Science in public administration from the University of Florida and, later, a master's degree in public administration from Florida State University. A proud alumnus of both institutions, he enjoyed the spirited rivalry of the Florida Gators and the Florida State Seminoles.
At a Valentine's Day dance at St. Peter Catholic Church in DeLand, Jimmy met Sarah (Sara) Visconti, who added his name to her dance card at check-in. They quickly fell in love, married, and raised a family of eight children. They celebrated their 70th anniversary in 2025, with a playful impromptu re-enactment of their nuptials.
Jim, following in his father's footsteps, devoted his professional life to public service and municipal leadership, working with several Florida municipalities mostly as city manager, including the towns of Mulberry, Jasper, Clearwater, Cocoa and Cocoa Beach.
Over the course of his career, he served in a variety of administrative and financial leadership roles that helped shape the growth and organization of these communities. He was also active in many civic organizations.
As the first hired city manager under Cocoa Beach's newly adopted charter, Jim served from 1958 to 1961, just as the community stood on the brink of the Apollo-era population boom. During those boomtown years, he helped guide the city through rapid growth in housing, roads and essential services, including the early expansion of its sewer system, public beach access and other public works.
True to his practical nature, Jim favored straightforward, descriptive names in city planning. During and after his tenure as city manager of Cocoa Beach, he helped name several local streets and landmarks, with an emphasis on clarity and function. Ramp Road, for example, was named for the boat ramp located there, while Sunset Drive reflected the natural beauty and westward views that define the area. The streets at Port Canaveral received names inspired by local fish species. According to family lore, he also had an influence on the naming of Jetty Park.
While serving as the city financial director for Cocoa at the now-historic Porcher House (City Hall), Jim was instrumental in naming Cocoa Village. When the city/promoter sought a distinctive name for the historic downtown without referring to it simply as "downtown," Jim discreetly submitted the name "Cocoa Village" on postcards distributed for public input, and the name was later selected from the suggestions gathered through city mailboxes.
Jim also became a licensed Realtor with Hardaway Realty and kept his license active until 2008 at the age of 81. He often told of the story about an out-of-town gentleman inquiring about land to build a pier downtown and with foresight, encouraged the purchase of the location to a better suited area north, where the pier sits today.
Upon his retirement from the Brevard County Planning Department in 1993, his love of country, conservation and community kept him active in several City of Cocoa Beach committees, including the planning board and land management. He also helped in the creation of the Maritime Hammock Preserve and other responsible city-growth initiatives.
Although his home was his castle, in 1999, Jim and Sara traveled to County Cork, Ireland, to visit the hometown of his immigrant grandparents, deepening his connection to his family's roots. He cherished his Irish heritage, and was preceded in death by his parents, James Valentine Doyle Sr. and Nora Colleran Doyle, whose strong morals and values guided him throughout his life.
He and his wife were founding members of Church of Our Saviour in Cocoa Beach, and he remained devoted to his faith and parish.
A man of simple pleasures, Jim began each day with his favorite breakfast of bacon, fried potatoes and a sunny-side-up egg, followed later by generous helpings of his favorite sweets, especially licorice, chocolate and root beer.
He once quipped that the secret to a long life was marrying a good woman. Jim had wonderful wit, enjoyed movie classics, following the stock market, and watering his lawn during dry spells.
He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Thomas, Richard, Dennis, Jerry, Jack and Patrick; and sisters Evelyn Carroll, Louise Baker and Rose Rempe.
He is survived by his wife, Sara; his eight children, James V. Doyle III, Anthony, Victoria Doyle Demuynck, Patricia, Bonnie, Sara Robinson (Darrell), Richard Joseph and Lee Harrington (Steve); 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, all of whom he loved dearly and who brought him great joy throughout his later years.
Surviving grandchildren and great-grandchildren include: Anthony (Kylee), Ian and Nicholas Doyle (Shantell); Nicolina Hellmann (Steven), Joseph and Jacob Hellmann; Anna McGrath (Liam), Callum McGrath; Ryan Demuynck (Savannah), Madison and Sarah Demuynck; Jack and Benjamin Robinson; Michael, Katherine and Hannah Harrington and, by marriage, Jack (Sarah), and Joe Harrington; Genevieve Ely (Benjamin); and Amelia Noel (Vince); his sister-in-law, Carmen Visconti; and many nieces and nephews.
He was deeply loved by his family, who will cherish a lifetime of memories and will miss him every day.
The family is immensely grateful for their sister Patricia, who took great care of their father following ailments beginning in 2017. She was his primary caregiver throughout those years. Their gratitude extends to all of Jim's professional home aides throughout the last nine years.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorial contributions be made to Church of Our Saviour (Landscape Committee) by check, mailed to 5301 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach, FL 32931, or to the Saint Vincent de Paul Food Pantry by check to "SVDP Our Saviour's Conference" 130 Cleveland Ave., Suite C, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931. Donations can also be made online at www.oursavioursparish.org. Beckman-Williamson Funeral Home in Cocoa Beach is in charge