James H. Douglas

James H. Douglas, 90, of Newton, died Thursday, May 25, 2023, at his home in Newton. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, June 2, at the First Baptist Church in Newton. The family will greet friends after burial with a lunch at the church.  Memorials in Jim’s name (checks to Nancy Douglas) may be left at the church the day of the service or at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory.

Jim, the son of Willard and Clara (Miller) Douglas, was born on August 20, 1932, in Delta, Iowa. He lived in Delta through the 8th grade and then moved to the Moulton, Iowa area.  Eventually his sister helped him meet his future bride, Nancy White. They were married June 2nd, 1962 and welcomed their only daughter, Kayla in 1964. Jim served his  country in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955 and was able to enjoy a Freedom Flight trip to Washington D.C. with his brother Jr. After moving to Newton he worked in the porcelain department at the Maytag Company for over 35 years. Jim was a member of the American Legion Post 111, the Maytag bowling league, and the Izaak Walton League. He enjoyed his fishing ponds as well as his trips to Canada. Vacations with the boat and family to Lake of the Ozarks were always looked forward to, as well as trips to Branson. He loved gardening, growing enough tomatoes and green beans for a small army.  When granddaughter Kelsey was born Jim and Nancy enjoyed spending time with her and taking her on vacations. In later years he enjoyed the squirrels and birds, always making sure they were properly fed. He loved his family and always enjoyed a good game of cards and just watching the kids play. Others enjoyed his humor and wit, even the nurses he encounter toward the end.

Jim is survived by his wife, Nancy Douglas of Newton; daughter, Kayla Johnson of Newton; grandchildren, Kelsey (Chad) Nablo, Jenny (Donnie) Hill, Paige (James) Smith, and Patrick Johnson; great-grandchildren, Aleah, Skylar, Laylah, Zayden, Renzley, and Jett; his siblings, Everett Douglas, Shirley Morlan, and Dorothy Barrell; sisters-in-law, Donna Long, Peg White, and Connie White; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, David Johnson; brothers, Willard Douglas Jr. and Bill Douglas; sister, Irene Hayes; and brothers-in-law, Lonnie White and Jerry White and his special canine side-kick, Kasey.

A special thank you to the MercyOne ER in Newton and Des Moines, the Neuro ICO and sixth floor staff at MercyOneDes Moines and St. Croix Hospice.