32788 Sergeant James Doig, (28/11/1879-4/10/1917). "a most sterling character"

ROLL OF HONOR.

DOIG. — On October 4, 1917, killed, in action, somewhere in Belgium, James Doig, of Rosemary Farm, Papakaio, dearly-beloved husband of Agnes Doig, and elder son of the late William Doig, Papakaio, in his 39th year. 

"For those he loved."   -Oamaru Mail, 18/10/1917.

It was with universal regret tempered by appreciation of the fine feeling which prompted him to enlist that Papakaio residents heard yesterday through Mrs Jas. Doig that her husband, Sergeant James Doig, had been killed in action. His father, the late Mr William Doig, will be remembered by the practical way in which he tackled farming problems, sinking wells as a means of draining his wet land, and generally proving himself a progressive agriculturist. His sons James and Wilfred were both born at Papakaio, and educated: at the Papakaio School. They inherited their father's practical methods and' straightforward character, and were able at his death to take over the farm, which was then held in trust by the late Mr S. Wilson. So well did they prosper that as Messrs Jas. and W. Doig they entered into partnership and acquired an additional holding. Their methods were not those of the old-time farmer who continually impoverishes his soil without replenishing it. The brothers Doig were continually experimenting in manures, with the result that they produced consistently good crops. Some 10 years ago Mr James Doig married Miss Agnes Goodall, daughter of the late Geo. Goodall, of Hilderthorpe. The ever recurring farewells to departing soldiers affected Mr Jas. Doig to such an extent that he began to feel that he was neglecting his own plain duty, and, though he had two young children, against the counsel of his many friends who thought his action premature, he and his brother dissolved their partnership and divided their lands, Sergt. Doig's portion of which was placed in the hands of Mrs Doig and a foreman, and enlisted, leaving the Dominion with the 22nd Reinforcements as sergeant. There was some discussion between the brothers as to which should enlist, as both wished to, and Sergt. Major Wilfred Doig, who married some time ago, later enlisted, and is now in camp. Sergt. Doig leaves besides his brother, five sisters, all married, several in our district. The late Sergt. Doig was of a most sterling character and pleasing disposition, but although he put his shoulder to the wheel in all patriotic and social happenings, he rarely appeared prominently, being of a retiring disposition. He was a member of the Papakaio Rifle Club and an elder of the Papakaio Presbyterian Church, and Committee member of the A. and P. Association. Field sports found in him an enthusiastic devotee and, as country representative, betook an interest in the doings of the Waitaki Acclimatisation Society. The late Sergt. Doig was 38 years of age.  -Oamaru Mail, 18/10/1917.

Like so many men, whose names are coupled on New Zealand gravestones with the fateful one of Passchendaele, James Doig has no known grave.

Papakaio Cemetery.