James P. Dolan's Obituary
James Patrick Dolan was born at Bethesda Naval Hospital on February 8, 1953, to his loving parents, James Edward Dolan, a Naval Ordinance Chief, serving in Guadalcanal during WWII, and part time television producer/floor director at WMAL in Washington, D.C., and Mary Margaret (née Long) Dolan, a government Budget Analyst. Jim was their first born and was followed by brothers William and Michael then sisters Kathleen and Mary Margaret, (Margy). The family settled in the Fort Hunt area of Alexandria, Virginia, where the kids all attended Catholic schools.
Jim’s father, along with all three of his sons, attended St. John’s College High School, a Christian Brothers military high school in Washington, D.C. Jim was a National Merit Scholar and an active participant in Mask & Wig, the St. John’s drama club. Blessed with great musical talent, Jim was the lead in their production of Man of La Mancha.
Upon graduation from St. John’s, Jim attended King’s College of Columbia University. While at Columbia, he was active with the university’s radio station, eventually becoming the General Manager of WKCR, which foreshadowed his career path. Jim received his B.A., in English Literature in 1975 and retained his Columbia friendships throughout his life.
Right after college, Jim worked for local D.C. stations, and later advertising agencies in D.C., Baltimore, and San Diego. After returning to the D.C. area from his stint in San Diego, he started as an account executive, selling advertising time for radio stations. His big chance came when he joined the then-Nationwide owned (their motto was “Only The Best People”) WPOC-FM as local sales manager, quickly rising to General Sales Manager. Jim ultimately became the General Manager, running three radio stations. Under Jim’s leadership, WPOC-FM garnered numerous “Large Market Radio” awards from the Country Music Association in Nashville. His management style was unrivaled.
Jim married the love of his life, Yasmin, in 2004. They lived in the Baltimore area for many years, then Philadelphia and most recently at their new home in historic Lewes, Delaware. They enjoyed good food (both cooking and dining out) and excellent wine (Jim was quite an oenophile) and traveled extensively, including Italy, Argentina, France and Ireland. For his 70th birthday, Yasmin swept him away to Dublin, where Jim, Zoë, and Glen marked the occasion by swimming in the chilly Irish Sea at the Forty Foot – a dream of Jim’s as it’s close to the James Joyce Martello Tower and is featured in Joyce’s novel “Ulysses.”
One of Jim’s greatest joys was spending time with his only child, Zoë. He’d recently gone to stay with her for a few days at her home and cherished their times together. Besides being very proud of his accomplished daughter, he delighted in his toddler granddaughter, Helena James Halperin, whose middle name honors Jim’s.
Being on or near the water was one of the great delights of Jim Dolan’s well-lived life, whether it was sailing on the Chesapeake Bay or more recently exploring the waters off Lewes, Delaware in his kayak. Besides his love of boats, Jim was also an accomplished pianist.
Described as a “force,” he had the rarest of combinations: Leadership that inspired, intelligence that clarified, and business acumen that turned chaos into strategy. He carried himself with dignity, never confusing power with wisdom, or authority with respect. Simply put, Jim made the room smarter. As a radio friend recently stated, “The most important test of a life is how many other lives are better because of it.” By that measure, Jim aced the exam. His legacy is written not just in deals closed or goals surpassed, but in the people he elevated along the way.
Jim Dolan is survived by his wife, Yasmin Dolan of Lewes, Delaware, and his daughter Zoë Dolan (Glen Halperin) and granddaughter Helena James Halperin of Chappaqua, New York; his siblings: Bill Dolan (Missy McTamney) of Annapolis, Maryland, Mike Dolan (Patti Howlin) of Laurel, Maryland, Margy Dolan (Dale Glanzman) of Oak Park, Illinois; Niece Lisa Dolan Dowd (David) and her children of Concord, North Carolina; Nephews Nicholas Dolan (Mira Totaro-Bloom) of Denver, Colorado, and Alexander Dolan (Josh Lohn) of Washington, D.C.; Zoë’s mother and dear friend Gayle Economos of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware; and numerous loving step nieces and nephew, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his parents and sister Kathleen.
Donations in Jim Dolan’s honor can be made to the Cape Henlopen State Park Fund
https://delcf.org/donations/cape-henlopen-state-park-fund/
There will be a “Celebration of Jim Dolan” on Monday, September 8 from 4 – 7 p.m. at an old media hangout, the Mt. Washington Tavern, 5700 Newbury St., Baltimore, Maryland 21209.
Please sign the tribute wall at this site.
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