James Doycheff

James Doycheff, age 77 of Hilliard, Ohio passed away peacefully on March 11, 2025, at Dublin Glenn Memory Care. He was born on July 6, 1947, to the late Jim Doycheff and Menda Osborn. He was a graduate of West High School and The Ohio State University with a degree in Communications, as well as earning his license from the Ohio State School of Cosmetology.

Jimmy was well known in the community for his remarkable talent as a hairdresser, singer and performer. His lifelong love of show business led to a career as a singer and actor in the 1960’s. In the early 1970’s, he performed the title role in “Jesus Christ, Superstar” with a national touring company. He followed with a successful nightclub career, and for the past 30 years, he produced and performed with a troupe of musician friends and family in the Doycheff Vocal Jam, a music venue of the 50’s and 60’s classic hits, featuring Rock & Roll, Soul and Doo Wop. He worked as a hair designer, educator and salon owner of Doycheff Studio Hair Designers; a career that spanned more than 50 years. And he was the author of two humorous books, “Excuse Me, I’m Going to Kill My Hairdresser!” and “Men are Pigs, Pass the Barbecue Sauce.”

He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Elaine Doycheff, his sister Janet (Bob) Durfey; his children Ramona (Greg) Richards, Nicole (Brian) Christensen, Michael (Martha) Sanger; his six grandchildren, Brandon “Bighead” Richards, Alexis Richards, Triston Pope, Raquelle Pope, Abby Christensen, Blake Christensen, Aaron (Amanda) Sanger, Mickayla (Darien) Smith; two great-grandchildren Alyssa Conley-Sanger and Lillian Smith; and nephews Bobby Wright and Mike (Diana) Wright. He leaves behind his closest friends and Vocal Jam family, Butch Legg, “Doo Rag” Randy Cobun, Olan Adams, Ric Romine, Davey Harris, Jimmy Harris, Bobby Blackburn, George Myers, Jack Husch, Ed Whitney, Kenny and Sue Hambrick, and many hair clients who will remember him fondly and keep his legacy alive.  

Jimmy will be deeply missed, but his soul lives forever in our hearts.

Friends may visit on Friday, March 21, at JERRY SPEARS FUNERAL HOME OF HILLIARD, 5471 Frazell Rd., from 5 – 8 p.m. for a celebration of Jimmy’s life. Please come share your favorite memories with us.  

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.