James Wilson Dolan Sr.

James Wilson Dolan Sr. died Aug. 13 in Bozeman, Mont. He was 87.

Dolan was born June 7, 1922, in Alameda, Calif., to Dr. Paul E. and Veronica Concannon Dolan.

He graduated from Livermore High School and attended Santa Clara University for two years.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served for three years during World War II.

Dolan worked at his family’s winery, Concannon Vineyard, in Livermore. He also worked at the Laboratory and at the Livermore Parks and Recreation Dept.

He enjoyed scouting, hunting and other outdoor adventures. He served as a Boy Scout Master for 12 years. He enjoyed his involvement with the Livermore Rodeo, established in 1918 by his uncle, Joseph Concannon. He was a rodeo director for 12 years.

Though he loved his family roots in Livermore, he took his family to Montana in 1970 to raise cattle in various locations across the state. They operated three different ranches from 1970 to 1980. After selling the Sheridan ranch, they retired in Bozeman, Mont. where he worked part-time for the U.S. Forest Service and was the “enforcer” as a parking lot attendant in downtown Bozeman. His employers loved his grand sense of humor and his pride in his work.

He was a member of Resurrection Parish and a 30-year member of the Knights of Columbus, first in Whitehall and later in Bozeman, and was Grand Knight in both lodges. He also was a 50-year member of the American Legion.

Dolan is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jean, and children; Ruth Ann Todd of San Jose; Jim of Belgrade, Mont.; Mike of Ennis, Mont.; Pat of Three Forks, Mont.; and Tim of Belgrade, Mont.; 10 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service to celebrate Dolan’s life was held Aug. 19 in Bozeman.