James Douglas Fox

1942 - 2021

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — James Douglas Fox, 78, passed away Sunday morning, April 18, 2021 while surrounded by loved ones. Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was born in Greenville on Nov. 2, 1942, the second of eight children, to Roy and Margaret (Ross) Fox.

Jimmy, the name used only by his mother, siblings, and his wife, was an adventurous young man. He spent his childhood riding the local coal train from station to station, hunting, and fishing. Though he loved the occasional prank, like putting a turtle in the tub for his mother to find when she bathed his youngest sister, Jim took his big brother status seriously. No matter where he was or what he was doing, when his sisters needed him, he was there.

At the age of 17 Jim, or "Foxy," enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served as a member of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron TWO. He proudly served his country until being honorably discharged in 1963. He may have left the Navy, but the Navy never left his heart. He was an avid supporter of The Wounded Warrior Project and in many conversations with family talked about his oath to defend his country until his dying day.

Jim met Judy Mullins and they were married on April 9, 1965. Just recently, after celebrating their 56th wedding anniversary, he declared, "I married the girl of my dreams."

Jim began his long career in the electronics industry working for RL Drake in Miamisburg, where he spent about 15 years. His work there introduced him to the hobby of Amateur Ham Radio, and he spent many hours listening to and talking with people from all over the world. His positions included Production Manager and Special Projects Manager, and his accomplishments included opening a branch for RL Drake in Barbados.

Jim owned several small businesses, including a machine shop in Farmersville and a small electronics shop run out of his basement. A job with CNA Productions took Jim and Judy to New Preston, CT, where they spent five years before moving back to Eaton. There he worked for Gleason Reel as a sales rep. The next adventure took Jim and Judy to Arizona, where they purchased a house in Mesa and Jim owned a garage in Phoenix. Jim worked as a sales rep for Gleason Reel Hubbell while in Arizona and retired in 2018.

A devoted family man, Jim was happiest in his chair, surrounded by family. He was an avid lover of the outdoors and always enjoyed a cold iced tea while sitting on the front porch. He had an endearing smile that was a welcome to anyone he met. He coined nicknames for friends and family, and all who knew him heard the oft-used phrases "we never close," "fine as a frog hair," and when asked if he needed anything, his frequent reply "a stack of 50s". He loved his motorcycles, both road and dirt bikes, and his boats. His love of wood, passed on from his father, included both wood-working and being surrounded by wood in both his home and outdoors. He was a dog lover like no other, and had a connection with every dog he ever met.

Jim was a lifelong member of the West Alexandria Congregation of the Church of the Brethren. He attended Red Mountain United Methodist Church in Mesa during his 27 years in Arizona. He was also a member of American Legion Post #26 in Mesa.

Along with his wife, Jim is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, all of whom he was so very proud of: daughter Sherry Lavin (husband John, children Zoe and Phoebe); son Don (wife Jeannie, children Victoria, Tabitha, Jimmie, and Josh, and grandchildren Gabriel, Elyza, and Jameson); son Ron (wife Caitlin, daughter Cherrybomb, another daughter soon to be born); son Dennie (son Ronnie); siblings Connie Blankenship, Donna Edsall, and Brenda Fox; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends, and family too numerous to list, but not forgotten and held close to his heart.

Preceded in death by his father Roy, mother Margaret, sisters Carolyn Harvey and Judy Burcham, and brothers Tom and Neil. Jim's journey will end in Sugar Grove Cemetery in West Alexandria with a military graveside service later this summer. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in his honor to the Wounded Warrior Project.