DOYLE, James M. – of Clio, age 88, passed away Sunday, April 16, 2023, at Medilodge of Montrose. Funeral service will be held at 11AM on Friday, April 21, 2023, at the O’Guinn Family Funeral Home in Clio. Burial to follow at Flint Memorial Park. The family will receive visitors on Thursday from 10AM until 8PM at the funeral home, and on Friday from 10AM until the time of service. The family asks that you wear a ball jersey to the memorial. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Clio Area School C/O Softball.

James was born May 29, 1934, to the late James and Emmogene (Barlow) Doyle. He was united in marriage to the late Connie (Pitkin) Doyle on June 23, 1956. A legend in the world of fastpitch softball, James had more life experiences and stories to tell than one could ever dream of having. A member of both the Greater Flint Hall of Fame and the Michigan Hall of Fame, he had more than 2,000 wins, 212 no-hitters and 26 perfect games throughout his 55-year career. A 5-time All-American, he pitched in numerous American Softball Association national tournaments and was the oldest pitcher in the International Softball Congress world tournament, which landed him a spot in the ISC record book. Also, a member of the Gold Medal-winning U.S. team in Venezuela in 1981 at the Pan American games, Whaley Park Softball Field in Flint was renamed Jim Doyle Field in 2019 and he was inducted into the ISC Hall of Fame in 2021.

A Buick automotive retiree, James also drove stock cars, won a Golden Gloves middleweight state championship, served as both a police officer and firefighter for his hometown of Clio and was a coach for the Clio Girls Softball Program for 15 years. Along with his love of both playing and coaching softball, James also loved Christmas and enjoyed dressing as Santa Claus and having one of the most-decorated homes in the neighborhood. A friend to all and loved by those lucky enough to have been a part of his life, he never failed to find someone who knew him everywhere he went — even while on vacation.

Surviving are: Children: Sue (Terry) McIntosh of Perry, Jim (Andrea) Doyle of Flint, Betty (Bill) Argue of Flint; Grandchildren: Michelle (Ken) Maust, Stephanie McIntosh, Kaitlin (Greg) Gates, Jessica Argue and Cody Argue; Great-granddaughter Hazel Maust; Brothers Denny, John and Louis; many other family members and friends and his beloved dog, Emma. He was also preceded in death by siblings Bill, Bob, Chuck, Ed, Joe, Kenny, Marygene and Tom. Please sign our guestbook or share an online condolence with the family at www.oguinnfh.com.

O'Guinn Family Funeral Home

Clio Chapel

810.686.5070