James F. Doolittle

1934 - 2022

James F. Doolittle

December 9, 1934-November 21, 2022

BLUE GRASS-James F. Doolittle, 87, of Blue Grass, IA, passed away Monday, November 21, 2022, at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf. Private family services will be planned later for interment at the Rock Island Arsenal National Cemetery. Jim was an avid philanthropist, memorial contributions may be made to your favorite charity in his memory. Online condolences may be left at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com.

James Franklin Doolittle was born on December 9, 1934, to M. M. and Gabrielle (Griebeling) Doolittle in Red Oak, IA, where he spent his early childhood. After his parents divorced, he and his siblings with their mother moved to Indianola.

He graduated from Indianola High School in Indianola in 1952 and Simpson College with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in 1956. Jim was drafted into the army, being Special 4 rank, and was stationed in Germany and Fort Myer, Virginia.

He married Nancy Elizabeth Meek on February 14, 1964, in St. Louis, MO; they lived there until moving to Davenport in 1968, then later to Blue Grass in 1977. He worked at AMCOM on Rock Island Arsenal before retiring in 1994 after 26 years. Nancy preceded him in death on June 21, 2018.

Jim is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth Siarot and Karen Doolittle, both of Davenport, and Colleen (Neal) Krebs of Durant; two grandchildren, Tony Krebs and Angelina Siarot; sister-in-law, Eva Doolittle of St. Augustine, FL; two brothers-in-law, Baz (Sandy) Meek and Harold (Bonnie) Meek both of St. Louis, MO; several nieces and nephews with their families; and two first cousins, Mary Jo Niskin of Newton, and Carolyn Runyan of Grinnell.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Nancy; sister, Verna Proffitt; brother, Charlie Doolittle; son-in-law, Ed Siarot; and two nephews, Doug and Randy Doolittle.