Jimmy Leonard Douglas, age 76, passed away at his home on Thursday, Aug. 6.
Jimmy was born Dec. 6, 1943, in Los Angeles, to Martin Francis and Evelyn Myrtle Lind Douglas. He had one older sister, Verna, and a younger brother, Robbie.
Jim’s family moved to Wyoming when he was in sixth grade. They lived in Cody, Riverton, and Provo, Utah; before settling in Big Piney. Jim loved all sports; he played football and basketball and ran track. His favorite sport of all was baseball, which he played while living in Riverton. Jim was a graduate of Big Piney High School.
He married Sandra Haddock in 1970, and they are the parents of four children: Rob, Mercy (Kyle) Dickey, Corbett (Erika) and Dann.
Jim started welding for his dad’s welding and roustabout business when he was 15. He was a very talented welder and could fix almost anything. He worked for his dad until he started his own welding business, Douglas Welding. He and his family traveled all over Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon and Washington to job sites, living in their fifth wheel. He also worked in Alaska. In 2009, he passed the tests so he could become a welding inspector.
Jim loved riding snowmobiles and motorcycles. When he was younger, he raced snowmobiles. He made sure that every one of his children could ride a motorbike, and he spent hours taking them on adventures, including into North Piney Lake, a favorite spot.
In 2009, Jim was in a motorcycle accident that left him with a traumatic brain injury and ended his welding career. His hobbies then changed, and he spent a lot of hours playing pool at the senior center (he called it the pool hall).
One of his favorite hobbies was traveling to watch his grandchildren participate in all their activities, such as sports and theater. His grandchildren were the light of his life.
In 2018, Jim suffered a heart attack and had to have quadruple bypass surgery. During his recovery, he discovered another fun hobby — putting together Lego kits that decorate the family room.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Verna; his brother, Robbie; and his two daughters, Ermina and Guyann.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sandy; his four children and their spouses; 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Per his request, he was cremated, and a celebration of life with his family will be held at a later date.
Condolences may be made at www.crandallfhevanston.com.
