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BORN
1947
DIED
2018
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Thomas Douglass Obituary
La Quinta - The Hon. Thomas N. Douglass, Jr., retired Superior Court Judge and former Assistant District Attorney for Riverside County, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 23, 2018. Tom was born January 7, 1947 to Tom, Sr. and Polly Douglass in Little Rock, Arkansas. Because his dad was a career officer in the United States Navy, Tom spent his youth moving to ports all over the U.S. and abroad.
After completing his undergraduate studies (California State University Long Beach) and legal education (University of California Hastings College of Law), Tom was sworn as a Deputy District Attorney for Riverside County in 1972. Tom eventually relocated to the Coachella Valley where he ran the Eastern Division of the Riverside County D.A.'s Office in Indio as the Assistant District Attorney. Tom became a judge in 1986 and served until his retirement in 2007. Thereafter, he sat as a visiting judge on and off until 2013.
Tom is survived by his wife, Jana and their blended family, Kelly Sullivan-Douglass (Jim), Stephanie Ochoa, Erin Douglass (Ari), Amy Douglass (Curtis), Elizabeth Espiritu (Eduardo), Richard Salomon (Brooke), and eight grandchildren (Samuel, Benjamin, Cameron, Brandon, Zoe, Mia, Eli, and Ryan). Tom was predeceased by his parents and his only sibling, older brother Michael Joe Douglass of Arkansas.
A public memorial service will be held at the Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio on Friday, September 28, 2018 at 4:00 p.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries
William Hunt
January 15, 2019
Tommy was a classmate of mine, 7th grade, Yokohama High School. Our fathers were both in the Navy. He was probably the smartest guy in the 7th grade, although I think I was nipping at his heels. I remember us both being in the championship spelling bee, and then both going to the all-Japan US schools contest. I didn't see him again until years later at a reunion in Utah. He was a good person and I'm sure he will be greatly missed by friends and family.
Carmen Malanche Sandoval
October 3, 2018
1 of my favorite Judges. Great sense of humor, always smiling, He will be greatly missed. My heartfelt thoughts to Jana and the rest of the family.
David Arnce
September 28, 2018
Condolences to the family. This was an honorable man behind the bench. I saw this first hand at the Indio Court and never forgot him for it. Rest in Peace good Sir.
Richard Twiss
September 28, 2018
A wonderful man. Honored to have known him and received his advice and mentorship over many years. Blessed to have him administer my oath of office as Chief of Police. Rest easy Sir we will carry on. Until we meet again in Glory. God bless you and God bless the legacy you've left in Our Community.
Lisa Bellows
September 27, 2018
Dear Mrs. Douglass and family:
I am so emotional because this is a very personal loss for me. I have known Judge for over 15 years and I had the pleasure of also knowing his mother Polly. I have his wonderful sweet and bold voice in my head! He will never be forgotten. He made quite an impact on my life and he will forever be remembered, loved and adored. I am so sorry, but my husband and I are out of the country until September 29th. We would have wanted to attend the memorial to provide comfort and support to you and your family. Please accept our deepest condolences.
With love,
Lisa Bellows and family
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