Dr. James E. “Jim” Douglass, age 84, passed on to his eternal reward on Wed., Aug. 22, 2018 at Sunset Nursing Home, Concordia, KS. Jim was born on Nov. 26, 1933 in New Brighton, PA to Edward T. & Anna O. (Patterson) Douglass.
Jim attended a one room country school for three years and completed his public education in Beaver Falls, PA. He had no intention of pursing a college education, but after he made a commitment to Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at age 19, his purpose and direction in life changed. At age 20, Jim rode a bus for 42 hours to Sterling, KS where he began his college education. After one semester, he entered the US Army to fulfill his military obligation. He ultimately arrived back at Sterling College in 1958, where he met the love of his life, Marilyn Kremer. They were married 19 months later in Marilyn’s home town of Aurora, NE and have celebrated 58 years of marriage.
Jim earned three degrees: a Bachelor of Science from Sterling College in 1962, a Master of Science from Kansas State Teacher’s College of Emporia, KS in 1964 and a Ph.D. from Kansas State University in 1976. He was employed as a high school teacher at Concordia from 1961-1965 after which he joined the faculty of the fledgling Concordia Junior College in 1965. Jim was employed by the college as a teacher, director of Admissions and ultimately the Dean of Instruction from 1970 until his retirement in 1994. Jim and Marilyn spent almost all of their married lives as educators in Concordia, KS.
Jim was active in The Baptist Church of Concordia where he served in various functions, including being a Deacon, an adult Sunday school teacher and an Elder. As a young married couple, Jim and Marilyn served as church youth sponsors. After retiring in 1994, Jim and Marilyn presented marriage workshops at various locations in Kansas and elsewhere. He and Marilyn volunteered at Stonecroft Conference Center at Branson, MO and Sonscape at Woodland Park, CO. Sonscape is a retreat center for pastors and missionaries.
Jim had been a Rotarian for 47 years and served as President and on the Board of Directors. He was active in community affairs, serving on the committee to bring smoke free restaurants to Concordia. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce and attended Chamber Coffees on a regular basis.
During his retirement years, he wrote a book on the history of Cloud County Community College titled “Forty Five and Counting”. It was a documented history of the first forty-five years of the college. He was pleased to do this work as he thought the history of the college would have been lost on future generations had the book not been written. Much earlier in life, Jim wrote his Master’s thesis on the history of the Boogaart Food Chain. He traced the company from the departure of the Boogaart family from Holland to the United States in the late 1880’s to the 1960’s when the company was in its prime.
Jim enjoyed traveling with his wife, Marilyn, especially to see grandchildren in Minnesota and California. He enjoyed trout fishing in Colorado. A 40th anniversary trip to Europe was a highlight for both Jim and Marilyn, as well as a 50th anniversary family gathering in 2010 at Snow Mountain YMCA ranch in Colorado.
Jim is survived by his wife, Marilyn, Concordia; sons, Bradley Douglass (Keryn), Mission Viejo, CA & Craig Douglass (Sonya), Newton; daughter, Shelli Pearson (Mike), Rochester, MN; grandchildren; Matt Pearson, Andrea Pearson, Nick Pearson, Kinsey Douglass & Bryce Douglass & step grandsons; Ryan Stuchlik, Grant Stuchlik and Kyle Stuchlik.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Kenneth “Ken” Douglass.
It was Jim’s wishes to be cremated and a Celebration of his Life will be at 10:00 am, Sat., Sept. 1, 2018 at The Baptist Church, Concordia with Pastor Jonathon Peppers & Dennis Knapp officiating. Burial of the cremains will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Concordia. Friends may sign the book on Fri., Aug. 31, 2018 from 9 am to 8 pm with the family greeting friends from 7-8 pm all at Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, Concordia. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Cloud County Community College Foundation for scholarships or The Baptist Church in care of the funeral home. For online condolences, please visit www.chaputbuoy.com.