James Dore Obituary

I happened upon this page on Jim's anniversary in heaven. Although I knew each other only for a few years, he made a profound impact on my life. As I can see from the notes below, he made an impact to so many people.

There are only a few people out there like Jim.

I miss you! Thanks for being there when we needed you.

Rob and Diana.

Jim Dore has been so much a part of our lives. I (Larry) have known him since we were in the novitiate together. We have always remained in close contact with each other and he has been a great friend and example for our whole family; from officiating at Lyn and my wedding, the First Communion of our daughter, and being there through the ups and downs of our family life. We all miss him very much but know that he is still with us in a different way now.

Father Jim was an excellent English instructor and was well suited to guiding us young men as we dealt with attempting to follow God's call towards the priesthood. I'm sure God has rewarded him in heaven for all the good work he did while on earth.

All of my Dore cousins and their families remain in my thoughts and prayers with the passing of Fr.Jim.

My life has been so deeply affected and made richer from knowing Jim. We shared a friendship for over 40 years. As an undergraduate, I remember him telling me to never expect revolution from the top and that "WE were the church". I was with him at a retreat when he discovered his first grey hair. Jim was happy to be named as the person to raise our son, Ian, if anything happened to us. His presence was always such a gift in my life and that of my family. How many times did I see him be a healer to a hurt, angry, confused or lost person. He LIVED his priesthood and his vows. And he always took very seriously the responsibility of preaching the Good News in his sermons and living the Good News. Over the years, we discussed politics together, laughed together, prayed together and grieved together. He loved his family so much and we would catch up on what was going on in all our relatives' lives when we spoke. He was so happy to be an uncle to so many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Over the last years he told the story that had a punch line that he loved. The punch line was "I didn't come here to stay, I came to make a difference." Dear Jim, you have touched so many and you made a huge difference. This was a more loving world with you in it.

To Jim Dore's family and all those who will miss him, I send my deepest condolences. Let our memories of this amazing human being comfort and inspire us.

Dorothea Gaither

I first met Jim at the Coronado graduate dorm at St. Louis University in 1964. I lived on the same floor as the young Servite students and soon got to know Jim as a priest, friend and mentor. I cannot remember ever calling him Father Dore just plain "Jim". I did not realize at the time what an important role he was going to play in my life, my wife Dorothea's life and our son Ian who was baptized by him and later became his friend and mentor also. No matter where Jim lived whether in Denver, Detroit, Palm Bay or Chicago, we always managed to get together either in Destin, Florida, Lehigh, Florida where Dorothea's parents lived or Toronto. Our last time together was three years ago when the three of us travelled to Nova Scotia and New Brunswick for a wonderful summer holiday. We always kept in phone contact with him especially this last year with the reocurrence of prostate cancer. Even though we knew he was in pain and the prognosis was not good it still came as a shock to us to loose such a great friend. Jim loved his family and spoke about them often. I know that Dorothea, Ian and I felt like a part of his family too and we will miss him so much. Goodbye dear friend Jim.

John

I have such fond memories of my cousin, Fr. Jim Dore. Not only did we enjoy many past family gatherings together, but he has graced my life with his presence for many years. I shall miss him.

I am a better person for having "crossed paths" with Fr. Jim, as he so succinctly phrased it just a few weeks ago. He was referring to all the wonderful people he has met over the years. He was describing how those people had richened his life. But I believe his essence had a far greater effect on all who know him. He maintained that grace and dignity to the end. I rejoice with all of you in having spent a moment in time with such a great human being.

A Servite Seminarian

Jim Dore was one of those people that you know you were privileged to know. He was the most christian guy I ever met. I will always hold a place for him in my heart.

Fr. Jim Dore was that special person who had a guiding influence on my life from when I knew him in the seminary. That influence will stay with me through my life. He was a great and gentle man. I will never forget him.

We miss seeing all of you, and we convey our prayers, sympathies and condolences to the Dore family on the loss of Father James.

I will always remember the very thought provoking homilies that Fr. Jim gave and his droll sense of humor as well as his kindness and gentle nature.As the founding pastor of Our Lady of Grace in Palm Bay, Fl, he helped to make it the vibrant faith community that it is today. May he rest in peace. He will never be forgotten.

I will always remember my friend, my priest. Thank you for helping me know God's love through those difficult times and believing in me.

I was deeply saddened to learn of Father Dore's passing. He was my teacher and mentor,during my time in the minor seminary and in college. What a brilliant and wonderful man he was. He has imprinted my life, and I send my deepest condolences to his family. Very few people have a life long impact on your life; Father Dore was the exception to that rule. Robert Hamilton, Servite Seminary, class of 1967.

The Schultz family from 62nd Place will always remember Father Dore, and, the friendliness he showed our family. Our condolences are sincerely expressed to the Dore family. Pearl, Bob, Carol,Barney, Jack, Schultz.

Father Jim, Thank you for your friendship, guidance, and providing the initial path for our parish. Your advice and counseling to my wife and I during our wedding was both calming and eventful. We will always remember. God bless and thank you friend.

Our family was lucky enough to have Fr. Jim at our parish, Annunciata twice in a lifetime! He became a dear friend as well as a wonderful priest to all of us! He always appeared at times when I felt God had sent an angel to me, he was caring and so compassionate and just listening to him speak was a priviledge. We are all very sad to lose someone so good, he surely did his work here, as well as put up a fight to stay as long as he did, peace be with him and prayers to his dear family, he loved so much!
Very Sympathetically yours,
Cathy & Jake Lane & Family
Marinov Family too.

I have nothing but good thoughts, memories, and gratitude for Fr. Jim Dore. I was employed as a teacher at Annunciata and found myself in a situation when my husband was badly injured in an automobile accident. He, my husband, had already undergone 14 Cancer surgeries, and now was battling this mishap. I called the Rectory and asked for a priest to come and administer "Last Rights" for my husband and Fr. Dore appeared immediately. He sat with myself, but most importantly, my husband's family, and made them so at ease with the situation that we were facing. Fortunately, my husband came through all of his injuries, and continued to thrive. When I returned to teach at Annunciata, Fr. Dore continued to keep up with my husband's condition. I cannot, to this day, Thank him for his concern. He is and was a true inspiration to me and our family.

To Fr. Dore's family, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. God Bless You Fr. Dore! "May GOD Hold you in the PALM of HIS Hand"

My prayers are with the family. I attended St. Phillips with Jim a few moons ago. My Bro. and my cousin were Servites. Dan Keating

May the warmth and comfort of the
wonderful memories you have of Father Jim,
someday take the place of the sadness you feel now.
With sincere sympathy,