James Richard Douthit

James Richard Douthit, 67, of Ardmore, OK, passed from this life on Sunday, January 23, 2022 at Mercy Hospital. James was born April 29, 1954 in Ardmore, OK to Ona Fay (Eberhart) and Herman R. Douthit, Sr.

James attended Dickson High School and joined the United States Air Force in 1971. He was part of the Red Horse Squadron, a civil engineering unit which specialized in combat readiness. After the Air Force, James went to school to learn cryogenics which he parlayed into a career in air conditioning and heating, then later electrical, plumbing, and carpentry. James’ final career path led him to become a Master Marine Mechanic, and he worked for 27 years for Lake Murray Marina. He married Joy Johnson on February 14, 1995 at Lake Murray and they spent a wonderful 26 years together. James lived most of his life in Ardmore and was an Elder at First Christian Church.

James could diagnose trouble with a boat, car (really anything with an engine) by ear. From boats to cars to airplanes – he built, rebuilt, or created them from the ground up throughout his life. To James, there was nothing better than grease under your nails and a job well done. He was a thinker and problem solver who loved puzzles. James was happiest when working in the garage and enjoyed a good science-fiction movie whenever he could. He was known for many things:  as a prankster (with a twinkle in his eye), for always lending a helping hand, a great sense of humor, a spirit of adventure (he once drove the Baja 1000), having a passion for fixing things and working with his hands, and loyalty and love for his family and friends. James’s family is grateful for his teachings:  courage, persistence, endurance, kindness, humor, hard work, respect, and faith. He practiced what he preached.

James leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Joy, of the home; sons, Richard (Ardmore, OK), Chris and wife Brittany (Eaton, OH), and Justin and wife Maly (Lake Elmo, MN); daughter Kathy and husband Brian (Stillwater, OK); grandchildren, K.C., Cade, Aubrey, Madison, Seryn, and Evelyn; sister, Mary (Two Harbors, MN); brother, Skip (Ardmore, OK); sisters-in-law, Esther and Debra (both of Ardmore, OK); along with a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many close friends.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Ona Fay Douthit; and brother, Ray Douthit.

James’s final resting place will be Provence Cemetery in Ardmore, OK. A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at the Lake Murray Lodge Hummingbird Room.

Services are entrusted to Harvey-Douglas Funeral Home and Crematory where words of comfort and condolences may be left for the family at www.hdouglasfuneralhome.com.