James Douglas

James L. Douglas, 95, of Cambridge, passed into eternity on Monday, August 31, 2026. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, and farmer, Jim was born on March 1, 1931, in Belfont, West Virginia, the son of Leland Douglas and Susie (Nottingham) Douglas.

On May 18, 1952, James married the love of his life, Shirley Jean (Gray) Douglas. Together they shared 70 years of marriage before Shirley's passing on September 3, 2022.

He proudly served his country as a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps having served during the Korean War. A lifelong farmer, he also served as a bus driver for the Cambridge City School System, and later worked for the Ohio Department of Transportation, and then township trustee in his retirement. Throughout his life, he was known for his strong work ethic, integrity, and willingness to lend a helping hand.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Jean (Gray) Douglas, two brothers, William Gardner Douglas and Aaron Douglas; a sister, Lemoine McKahan; infant grandson, Paul Andrew Douglas; and daughter-in-law, Roberta Lee (Gray) Douglas.

He is survived by three sons, David M. (Vanessa) Douglas of Gambier, Jay B. Douglas of Cambridge, and Scott E. (Anne) Douglas of Rocky River; a daughter, Janet Sue (Jeff) Brown of Fort Mill SC; eleven grandchildren, Zachary (Sydney) and Emily Douglas, Colin and Tyler Brown, Keath (Jordan) and Austin Douglas, Elizabeth (Asher) Silvey, Wade, Rebekah, Sarah and Grace Douglas; and six great-grandchildren, Violet, James, Evelyn, Hattie and Opal Douglas and Phoebe Silvey.

A longtime member of Mt. Hermon Presbyterian Church, Jim faithfully served as a trustee, elder, and volunteer; and showed his faith through acts of kindness, generosity, and a willingness to lend a hand.

More than anything, Jim loved his family. He shared an extraordinary marriage with Shirley Jean (Gray) Douglas, with whom he loved to harmonize and sing together. Together they built a family that became the center of their world. He cherished family gatherings, treasured time with family at Camp Presmont, and found great joy in simply being surrounded by those he loved. Jim had a gift for making ordinary moments memorable. He loved a good card game, a country song on the radio, traveling, and cheering from the stands at Cambridge High School and Muskingum University sporting events and band concerts. He was a storyteller at heart, sharing tales that brought laughter, wisdom, and often a little mischief to every gathering. His singing, his stories, his smile, funny quotes and his warm presence will remain cherished memories for all who knew him.

To his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends, and neighbors, Jim taught by example what it meant to work hard, keep your word, and care for your family. His legacy lives on not only in the generations that follow him, but in the values, he passed along and the lives he touched. Though his family mourns his passing, they find comfort in a life well lived and in the countless memories he leaves behind. His was a life rich in purpose, family, and love, and he will be deeply missed.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, September 7, 2026, from 3PM-6PM at Thorn Black Funeral Home in Cambridge with the funeral service the following day, Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 11AM with Pastor Kirk Gable officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Hermon Cemetery, Cambridge, with military honors conducted by the Guernsey County Veterans Council.