Douglas K. James

Douglas Keith James, 66, of Otho, IA, died Sunday, December 12, 2021, at his home of natural causes. Private family services will be held on a later date. Memorials may be directed to the family.

Douglas was born June 6, 1955, in Iowa City, IA, the son of Dean Avery and Charlene Lydia (Baessler) James. In his younger years, he was involved in Boy Scouts, football, and the Izaak Walton League (trapshooting setter). For many years, along with other family members, he participated in a Memorial Day Wreath Ceremony to commemorate those veterans lost at sea and served our country in foreign wars. Doug was graduated from Boone Valley High School in Renwick, IA in 1973, and continued his education at Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls, IA and the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, IA – where he also drove school buses to help subsidize his education. He was a caregiver to his mother for many years. He also worked as an apartment building manager until he became disabled from a car accident. Doug was very articulate. He was a skilled writer and editor. From home, he worked as an editor for screen plays and other writer’s pieces. He has a passion for writing and wrote a few screen plays of his own. Doug enjoyed farming, golfing, sports (especially football), staying active (swimming and exercising), and studying family genealogy and war history. He collected WWI and WWII war memorabilia & miniature war pieces which he planned to donate to the Humboldt Historical Society until he lost everything in a house fire. Doug had faith in God and a great sense of humor. He was a big guy with a big heart and loved life.

Doug is survived by 3 siblings: Julie Breitbach and husband Joe of Waverly, IA, Paul James of Liberty Lake, WA, and Neal James and wife Molly of Swisher, IA. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother: Dr. William Karl James. He is also preceded in death by his 2 dogs whom were lost tragically in his house fire.