James Arthur Douglas

Suddenly on Monday, February 17, 2003, James Arthur Douglas died of carbon monoxide poisoning at home while warming his car in the snow.Jim, as he was known to most of his family and friends was born on July 8, 1938, to the late James Alvin Douglass and Lillie M. Brown, the eldest of three children, a brother Alvin Douglass and a sister Betty Douglass, both of Evanston, Illinois.He attended the Evanston Public School and graduated from Evanston Township High School in 1956. Immediately after graduation he went to work at the Washington National Insurance Company. Jim was drafted to the Army in 1961. He served for two years and was honorably discharged in 1963.After his tour of duty, Jim made Baltimore his home, where he lived and worked the rest of his life. Employed as a Driver/Salesman for the Pepsi Cola Company and later as a long distance truck driver until his health began to fail. Even then, Jim continued his interest in transportation as a personal driver until his death.In 1969 he met Barbara Webb Mott. Her children by a previous marriage, Troy, Miles, Sandra and Michael Mott, became his stepchildren. Though he was not their birth parent, he was a father in every way. He gave of himself unselfishly and helped nurture them to adulthood. Later, he was blessed with nine step-grandchildren. Two of them, David and Daniel lived with him and Barbara during their early years. He had a special relationship with David, the apple of his eye, who claimed him as “ My Mister Jim.” Jim rejoiced in each of his accomplishments from his first baby step through graduation from college. In his later years he often depended on Daniel to help him with chores that were too much for him to handle. He would often laugh and say; “Danny does not realize how strong he really is”.Knowledgeable in many areas, Jim was and engaging conversationalist. His pleasant personality endeared him to many people. He was a caring person who often gave to others even when he could ill afford to be generous. He could be counted on to keep his word and do good deeds. Jim loved good food; especially Barbara’s fried chicken along with a Pepsi.Jim was a dedicated hobbyist and aficionado of model trains. He collected trains and built model airplanes until his disability made detailed work difficult. He also enjoyed card games with family and friends over the years.Jim leaves to mourn his passing: his devoted wife of thirty-one years, Barbara Douglas; mother, Lillie M. Douglass; brother, William Alvin Douglass; sister-in-law, Mariam Douglass; a sister, Betty J. Douglass, all of Evanston, Illinois; his niece, Amy; stepchildren, Troy L. Mott (Denise), Miles Mott (Pamela), Sandra Mott and Michael Mott; nine step-grandchildren and two great-grandson; three sisters-in-law, Vera Hall, Ellie Hall and Judy Webb; four brothers-in-law, Lawrence Hall, Clarence Hall, Harry Webb and Alfred L. Webb; nieces, nephews; a very special little girl, Makeba Smith, who called him Grandpa; and many devoted friends, especially Robin Davis.

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James Arthur Douglas

July 8, 1938 - February 17, 2003