Always a smile!

An amazing friend and legend James, “Jimmy”, Doctolero passed away peacefully in his beautiful home among friends on June 18th, 2024. Jimmy was 74.

Jimmy was born and raised in Oxnard, the son of Agnus and George Doctolero. His family owned two successful restaurants in Oxnard which may have been the root of his lifelong passion for good food, cooking and bringing people together. His reputation as a sophisticated gourmet is well documented by the many friends that he introduced to his culinary finds throughout California. A day eating and drinking with Jimmy was a dream date.

After graduation from Oxnard high school Jimmy worked with his family in their restaurants and did personal catering until the restaurants were sold. He then pursued his interest in retail, working in and eventually managing a classic men's store in Oxnard, Fortunes. A foreshadowing of his well-deserved reputation as "impeccably turned out for any occasion." A pink suit at Mother's Day brunch, well, of course.

In 1969 Jimmy entered the U.S Army and trained at Fort Ord. He trained as a Radio Specialist and was eventually assigned to Fort Riley, Kansas. He left the service in 1971 as a Specialist 4 with several commendations for service above and beyond. Excellence was a byproduct of whatever Jimmy did.

Upon his return to California, Jimmy joined the May Company at the Esplanade. It was at May Company that he forged many significant friendships which he maintained throughout his life. His stories about after work "meetings" at Scotch and Sirloin were a delight.

Jimmy continued his career in retail in positions of increasing responsibility in many men's retail establishments in Los Angeles and Ventura. He found a special niche at The Tinderbox smoke shop in Oxnard as a manager. While there, he developed a corporate wide program for window design and display. He also caught the eye of a local reporter who wrote a profile for the Ventura County Star on his admiration of Sherlock Holmes which he emulated somewhat in his sales personality and dress. Jimmy eventually named his loving pup, Sherlock.

As a fortunate outgrowth of his friendships at May Company, Jimmy traveled with his best friend Tim to Florida and crossed the country, sampling with gusto all that road life had to offer. They eventually returned to Ventura where he and Tim, along with their bestie Karen, pursued the next phases of living large.

Moving into the 80s, Jimmy became a fixture at Pete's Breakfast House during the day and also pursued a successful catering business. In the 90s he brought his shining star to Rosarito Beach Café with Sandy Smith and crew, excited about being part of Ventura's burgeoning culinary culture and firmly establishing his reputation as a hospitality guru. In addition to his love of food, he had a love for art and he dedicated his service to our community at the Ventura County Fair for over 30 years as the lead art decorator for the Professional Arts building. During this period, he also added serving at Capriccio to his bevy of activities where he served for decades and people flocked just to have a “Jimmy” experience. He also joined the Trader Joes crew at this time and became a legend for his "standing room only" appearances at the Tasting Stations. It was always a delight to go visit Jimmy at Trader Joes and be part of the fun.

Jimmy brought his gifts of fire and ice to everyone he met and everywhere he went. Not seeing his smile and receiving an infamous Jimmy kiss around town will be a profound loss to so, so many. Job well done Jimmy. You have made difference in this world and will remain an important part of our cherished memories.

Jimmy is survived by many dear family & friends. Please join us for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, July 13th @ 2:00pm. 48 N. Katherine Dr. Ventura.

In his honor, please consider a donation to the ALS Association. 

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