Dr. Doyle Hill James, or as he was known in Union Springs Alabama, "Man Mountain", was born on December 19th, 1931 in Union Springs, Alabama. He stepped into eternity on March 23rd, 2022 at 8 o'clock in the morning at his home in Mobile, Alabama. A graduate of Auburn University, University of Mississippi, and the University of Southern Mississippi, he began his career in Mobile, Alabama where he taught in the Mobile County Public School System (MCPSS). He served as Dean of Boys at Murphy High School and Vice-Principal, and then was later promoted to Principal of Alma Bryant High School, and finally Principal of Theodore High School. After completing his Ph.D., he continued to serve MCPSS as Director of Psychological Services. He served MCPSS as a Clinical Psychologist for over 25 years until he retired. After retiring from MCPSS he worked in the mental health field directly with various mental health facilities in Alabama.
In addition to the above mentioned positions, he taught many college students as a professor at University of South Alabama, University of Mobile, Bishop State University, Troy State University, Faulkner University, and Tuskegee University. He also served on the Board of Directors at Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida.
In addition to his colorful professional career, he gave of his time at Mobile's Home of Grace (H.O.G.) serving on their board as well as offering psychological services. His volunteer hours with H.O.G. spanned 30+ years. Also close to his heart was Mobile's Strickland Youth Center. He volunteered at Strickland and was the aid for many troubled teens.
Last, but certainly not least, was the Waterfront Rescue Mission where over a 20+ year period, he weekly arrived to be many a Mobilian's "rescue".
Nearest and dearest to his heart was always his church and involvement there. As a child, he served as an acolyte. After graduating from Auburn and moving to Mobile, his church involvement included, but was not limited to, an extensive Widow's Ministry, Sunday School teacher, Usher, Trustee, and obviously many hours counseling, as well as various additional para church ministries. Doyle James was, no doubt, a pillar in the church.
He is survived in marriage by his wife of 65 years, Reba Botter James of Mobile, two daughters, Darlene James Tanner (James Charles Tanner, Jr. (Jimmy)) of Fredericksburg, Virginia; Karen James Jernigan (John David Jernigan (Johnny)) of Mobile, Alabama; 5 grandchildren, James Charles Tanner III (Chaz), and Allie Winston Tanner of Fredericksburg, Virginia; John David Jernigan, Abigail James Jernigan and Jacob Doyle Jernigan of Mobile, Alabama.
He also has two great-grandchildren, Daxton Shane Tanner, and Tatum Hill Tanner of Fredericksburg, Virginia. He is also survived by two sisters, Carolyn Kelly and Patricia Davidson; as well as nieces, nephews, and many incredible in-laws. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was also a friend to his friends who loved him completely. The greatest joy of his life was helping others and leading people to Jesus. He would love to meet you at the pearly gates.
December 19, 1931 ~ March 23, 2022 (age 90)
Public Visitation Friday March 25, 2022 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM City Church of Mobile A funeral service will be held on March 25th at 2 p.m. at the City Church of Mobile (3750 Michael Boulevard Mobile, AL 36609).
