James Douglas McDougle
Born in Battle Creek, Michigan on September 24, 1930, he passed away on April 5, 2008 in St Petersburg with his loving family by his side from Alzheimer’s disease. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Barbara. His children, Sandie & her husband Don Sparks, Bonnie & her husband Kelley Carter, Doug & his wife Stephanie Scott, Amy & her husband Dave Gabbard. His Grand Children, Steven Stewart, Aly Sparks, Michael Carter, Noble Scott McDougle, Kristen & Faith Gabbard; Great Grand Children, Seeley Stewart, Brenton Adkins, Katie Lynn Dasher & Luke Kidd. His sister, Patricia Barnes, one niece & three nephews, all of North Carolina, also survives him.
Jim was a 36-year member of the United States Navy Air Reserve Corps. Two of his greatest moments during that time include crossing the Arctic Circle in September of 1980 and being chosen the very first Navy League Councils “Outstanding Reservist of the Year” in 1965. Articles about this award, called “Mark of a Man”, were printed in “The Naval Aviation News”, “The Naval Reservist”, “The Grosse Ile Smoke Signal” and “The Detroit Free Press.” He was also a member of the American Legion, Post 14 in St Petersburg, FL.
He retired after 35 years of working at the Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan. Jim began his career in Labor Standards and finished as a Service Research Engineer. Working in the automotive field was natural to him due to his love of cars. He and Barbara were entrants in many course and road races before and after they were married.
Jim also enjoined riding motorcycles. He started with a Royal Enfield and progressed to larger bikes over the years ending up with several Gold Wing Motorcycles. In 1987, Jim repaired a wrecked Gold Wing Interstate, shipped it to Spain while he & Barbara flew there to meet it. They spent the next 6 weeks traveling the roadways of Europe ending up in Scotland to visit friends. Jim sold the motorcycle there for enough money to pay for the motorcycle, repairs and travel expenses with a little to spare! Jim had a life long love of flying airplanes. He was always a small plane owner or a member of a flying club. He was also a 50-year member of the AOPA Airplane Owners & Pilots Assoc. He was known to drop everything, hop in a Stinson or Cessna and fly out of state for lunch or dinner bringing his family with him. Jim helped build a helicopter and test flew several experimental airplanes. He even went on to acquire his Commercial Pilots license.
Jim lived life to the fullest. He took full advantage of the land, sea & air when he received his Dive Certificate in 1995. He had the pleasure of diving in the Living Seas at Epcot in Orlando. Jim would often fly his airplane over Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico in order to pick out sites that he wanted to dive on!
The family would like to thank the staff and residents at Shore Acres Rehabilitative and Nursing Home and the Coral Team at the Hospice of the Florida Suncoast for their support and loving care of Jim in his final months.
A Military Honors Service will be held at Bay Pines National Cemetery on Monday, April 14, at 10:00 AM, with a “Celebration of Life” reception immediately following at the American Legion Post 14, 1520 4th St N in St Petersburg. For more information contact Veterans Funeral Care at 727-524-9202 or www.veteransfuneralcare.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of the Florida Suncoast, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33760 or the Johnnie B. Byrd Alzheimer’s Center & Research Institute, 4001 East Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, FL 33613.
When I think of my father, the first thing that comes to mind is laughter. We had a lot of fun and many adventures growing up. My second memory is that he always taught us to TRY! If you can’t do something then ask for help. Who knows, you just might surprise yourself with a new found talent. He wasn’t perfect, but I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to have him as my father!
Barbara are hearts are heavy with you, He was your life and you his. God Bless and make you strong.
Lucky and mavis Lovett
Jim and I shared many hours in the air together and one day we will do it again. He was a true friend.
Hope to be at the ceremonies, timing will be difficult but I will attempt it just the same.
It’s going to be easy to never let go of my dad. Bonnie’s right, he made us laugh so hard many times throughout our lives. “Never give up”, and “don’t sweat the small stuff” Thanks for everything you taught me, and I am always passing on to my kids what you and mom gave to us even working on the cars and bikesI love you both so much, I know you’re at peace now daddy!Keep a watchful eye on us down here, and no back talk.
My dad always made everything fun! When our first plans didn’t work, we always had Plan “R”, which taught us all to be adaptable and to keep trying. I had the chance a couple of years ago to tell him that I thought he was a great father, and at that time I think he understood and accepted that. I know he was more appreciative of his family recently, as I believe we have all become appreciative of each other. I don’t believe there will be a day of my life that I won’t think of him, something he said, something he taught me, or just one of those great “dad” looks that says, “what’re ya gonna do?” I am and will always be honored to be his #1 kid!
Bonnie, Mrs. McDougle and family…
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I have very fond memories of your dad taking us flying a couple times back in high school. You will be in my thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks to come. I’m sure the “celebration” on Monday will be fun and sad and funny and a wonderful tribute of his life.
God Bless,
–Nancy O’C
Bonnie,
I just got a chance to catch up on emails and was very sorry to read your message. I know that it has been challenging for him in recent years, but I still remember the wonderful man who helped me with my car and make a hitchiker run to catch up, before he took off and commented on how far the hitchhiker had come. He sure knew how to make us smile.
Our thoughts are with you and your family, please give your Mother my best.
Lots of love,
Carolyn
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. He has left a wonderful legacy by instilling his way of life into his family. All our love
To Bonnie And Family You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time of your great loss!
Hi Sandie,
We just got word via Ken’s e-mail that your father had passed away this weekend. We send our most sincere condolences and will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers during this tough time. We know it is never an easy thing to have to go through, but thought that we would let you know we are thinking of you.
Dad will always have a special place in my heart, along with all of you. You mean the world to me, you are my family and I treasure each and every one of you.
Love, Kay
Bikers seem to have this connection, and even the first time I met Jim, he and his wife Barbara were on a Goldwing. But it was not until years later in a phone conversation about a motorcycle that he taught me a lesson about knowing when it is time to put away the motorcycle. I guess he was right; good bikers know when it’s over. He will be missed.
we all miss you grampa
Bonnie,
Your dad sounds like an amazing person. We’re sorry we never had the chance to know him. Our condolences to you and all of your family.
Leslie Gore and John Mott
We are so sorry for your loss. Jim will be missed around the neighborhood.
At this time I would like to wish Dave and his Wife and Family all the best at this Mournful Time of their Life. I Would Like to Wish You and Your Family my Heart Felt Feelings at this Time of need With The Passing of your Dad. Hope All Is Well.. Take Care Dave and Family, my Deepest Sympathy the Chris.
Barb, and family. Our hearts and prayers are with you at this time. If our passports were up to date, we would have tried to be there for you. Will call you next week, Barbars.
My Best to Bonnie and Family
Dear Barb,
We are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. The two of you always come to mind when we think of our motorcycling days with the GWRRA.
God rest his soul and bless you and your family.
Love,
Jim and Dianne Csabi
Dianne Csabi Port Orange, FL
April 19, 2008
Hello my precious Barbara. Amanda just told me of Jim’s passing. I am so sorry. What a beautiful man. I will always remember the two of you on your bikes riding into Paris…
Love Martha
Bonnie, This is my first day back in the office after surgery. I have every intention of sending you a card, but please know that I am sorry for this loss and am thinking of you. Love, Ramona
This outragis Man just so happend to be my Grandfather. He was the best i could ever wish for.
It has been almost 2 years of my grandfathers passing. I wish this was a horrible nightmare and that someone could come in and wake me up. I am 11 turning 12 in august. I miss him so much and everytime i go to “barbs” (nanas) house, i miss having him opened arms waiting a thte door for me. I miss his smile and his sense of humor, but most if all i want him BACK!