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James Martin Doran

James Martin Doran (Jim), 92, of West Hartford, passed away peacefully surrounded by love at his home on August 24, 2025. He was born on April 21, 1933, the son of the late Hugh and Mary (Murray) Doran. He grew up in Toronto, OH and lived in West Hartford, CT for almost 60 years. Jim was a kind, fair, generous and devoted man who lived each chapter of his life to the fullest. He had a quick wit and an uncanny talent for “back-of-the-envelope” math. He was easygoing and just about everyone who knew him adored him.

Jim was proud of his Irish roots, of growing up in a small steel mill town during the Depression, of his older brothers who served in World War II, and of his Victory Garden back home. The first member of his family to attend college (John Carroll University in Cleveland, OH), Jim never forgot the scholarships, internships and people that made attending college possible. Once able, he honored them by paying it forward, supporting others in their educational pursuits.

Jim started his career as a CPA and enjoyed jobs in Pittsburgh, PA, Rome, NY, and New Haven, CT before settling into a fulfilling career in finance at Heublein, Inc., known for its spirits, wine and consumer products. To honor Jim, just order “Smirnoff” instead of “vodka” and put A1 Steak Sauce on your steak!

In 1978, Jim faced a great hardship when his beloved wife Peggotty Namm Doran passed away, leaving him to raise their young daughters. True to his character, Jim met this profound challenge with unwavering grace, strength and devotion. He was forever grateful to all the people, especially Anne Satriano Tucker, who helped him raise his daughters.

Jim thrived in his retirement. He devoted more time to the stock market and wrote “Your Mom and Me,” a book preserving cherished family stories and history. He established investment clubs at his favorite schools and was instrumental in resurrecting West Hartford’s Seniors Job Bank where he remained active until his death. Jim loved reading his newspapers over a cup of instant decaf coffee; traveling with family; singing showtunes; playing group Jeopardy!; cheering for Notre Dame and Cleveland Browns football; playing tennis, paddle and golf with friends at the Hartford Golf Club; participating in the Old Guard; attending St. Peter Claver Church; and spending summers hosting loved ones on Groton Long Point.

Most importantly, Jim was a devoted friend, family member, and “uncle” to many. He was predeceased by his parents, wife Peggotty, and siblings Hugh, Jack, Tom and Mary Kay. He is survived by his daughter Beth Doran Putnam and son-in-law Dean, daughter Wendy Doran-Paley and daughter-in-law Joanna, grandchildren Kelly, Ben and Maggie, and dozens of extended family members. The family is especially grateful for its close ties with the Namm family, Jim’s longtime devoted neighbors, and his many loving caregivers, especially Mhel and Rafael with Astor Health.

There will be a Celebration of Life in West Hartford this Fall. Please visit the Molloy Funeral Home website (www.molloyfuneralhome.com) which will be updated as details are finalized. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Seniors Job Bank (www.seniorsjobbankct.org) in Jim’s memory.