James Darrel Douglas Obituary
James Darrel Douglas died at home on January 13, 2023, from natural causes, on his 60th wedding anniversary. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend.
He was born June 9, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan, to Patrick Douglas, Della and Floyd Baty. James would often be called Jim or JD. Jim never did anything small; he always gave it his all. He worked his whole life and has so much to show for it. He always went out of his way to help anyone.
It was love, at first sight, the day Jim met Rita in 1963. He told his friend "I’m going to marry this girl." He loved her with all his heart. They taught each other how to Love one another throughout their 60 years of marriage. They lived a true Love story. They were married 60 years to the day.
Jim was a wonderful father, having his hands full. He raised three daughters and then went on to raise two grandsons. He was always there to listen but never judged. He was so caring and was always looking out for your safety. He was such a giving man, always showed love and respect but never asked for anything in return. He was always there to talk too and usually had a good joke to go along with it.
He loved sharing his interests through his great humor and enjoyed making every family member laugh. He was the kind of father that would teach you how to do something, so you could later do it for yourself. He led by example while teaching so many lessons about life. He loved the outdoors and spent many days on the water. His interests included salmon fishing, camping, and being on the boat with loved ones. He enjoyed watching old western movies, NASCAR, and football.
After being honorably discharged from the United States Army in 1965, he worked as a Machinist- Fabricator at Electronic Specialty – later known as The Boeing Company. James retired from Boeing in 2005. He belonged to the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Union Local No. 63.
On April 15, 1976, he was honored for his work on the GIP: quality improvement program (awarded a special Boeing Belt Buckle). This proposal improved the all-over quality at Boeing of Portland. JD retired from Boeing after 40 years and was awarded a Gold Veteran’s Badge as an honor from the Grand Lodge International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. JD amplified true value to fellow workers, having lasting respect and esteem from all members of Union Local Lodge No. 63.
He is survived by his wife, Rita Douglas; three children, Lorrie Williams of Milwaukie, OR, Mechelle Douglas of Milwaukie, OR, and Christina (Christopher) Frison of Gresham, OR; He was a father figure to Joshua Douglas and Dewain Douglas’Frison. Two sisters; along with 9 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
Jim always had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He Proudly created nicknames for every one of them. They called him Grampie and they loved all his silliness. Grandchildren: Joshua Douglas, Jennifer Mauk, Tiffany Williams, Brandon Bolt, Matthew & Heather Furhken, Dewain Douglas’Frison. Great-grandchildren: Kyleigh Mauk, Rylan Mauk, Jaxton Mauk, Lawson Mauk, Kaylee Williams, Bentley Williams, Christyann, Brian, Dion.
A memorial service with full military honors at Willamette National Cemetery will be on February 13, 2023, at 1:00 pm.
