James Elliot Doescher

James Elliot Doescher

James Elliot Doescher (Jim) was born on September 5, 1941 in Cuero, TX and passed away on August 3rd 2021 in Panama City, FL. Jim is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Davie Harbor Doescher, his daughters Whitney Doescher Mims (Wes) and Noelle Doescher Morrison (Nate) and four grandchildren - Libbie Grace, Evie, Griffin and Elliot.

Jim was the son of Elliot Henry Doescher and Elizabeth Moody Doescher and big brother to Margaret and Carolyn. His family moved to Pascagoula, Mississippi when he was very young, and it is there he considered home. He grew up outdoors - playing baseball, hunting and fishing. He, his sisters, "other brother" Sonny Fletcher and other childhood friends often found themselves in story-worthy misadventures that Jim retold throughout his lifetime.

Jim's love of baseball carried him to Mississippi State University where he played first base. From signing day onward, he bled maroon and white. On Saturdays in the fall, he could be heard singing, "Hail, dear ol State," or reminiscing about his baseball days. The special friendships he made with his teammates were deeply cherished and sustained throughout his life. MSU's National Championship win this summer was celebrated by Jim as if he were still on the team.

After graduating from Mississippi State in the height of the Vietnam War, Jim enlisted in the United States Army and attended Officer Candidate School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He proudly served his country with the 9th Infantry Division "Old Reliables" - earning the rank of First Lieutenant. While in combat, he earned many accolades including the Bronze Star with Cluster and a Purple Heart.

Jim's attachment to the outdoors led him to a career in the forest products industry working in a variety of progressing roles for St. Regis Paper Company, Southwest Forest Products and Natural Resources Planning Services before becoming the co-owner of Abbeville Forest Products. His final role before retirement was Executive Director of the Georgia Forestry Association. Throughout his career, he was known for his strong work ethic and his big personality which led him to become a guest lecturer in forestry schools across the Southeastern Conference. The height of his professional career was serving as President of the Florida Forestry Association.

Throughout his life, Jim invested time in a variety of organizations including - the Society of American Foresters, Log A Load for Kids, Bay Credit Union, Bay Point Community Association, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Bay County Veteran's Council, the Military Welcome Center at Panama City Airport and Emerald Coast Woodworking Guild.

Jim enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking, and grilling. He spent much of his time in retirement perfecting his woodworking skills, making beautiful wooden bowls. Above all, his favorite activity was spending time with friends. His Pascagoula "Old Friends", Bulldog teammates, forestry co-workers turned lifelong friends, neighbors, Wednesday veterans' breakfasts and so many others; each friendship was treasured and every laugh or tall tale shared was a balm to his soul.

Services will be held at Holy Nativity Episcopal Church Pavilion in Panama City, FL on Tuesday August 10th at 10am, ice cream reception to follow. Interment will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery on Thursday, August 12, 2021 at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to Log A Load for Kids https://logaload.org/ or the Mississippi State University Bulldog Club https://msubulldogclub.com/ would be much appreciated.

Wilson Funeral Home

214 Airport Road, Panama City, FL 32405

850-785-5272

www.wilsonfuneralhome.net