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Jim Doolittle was born to Laura and Sheldon Doolittle on October 7, 1943 in Seattle, Wa., moved with his family to Oakland in 1945, and then to Sacramento in 1947. He died in Portland on August 14, from complications of a previous stroke. Jim is survived by his wife, Barbara (50 years), daughter Sarah Walters (Greg) of Portland, son Peter of San Francisco, brothers John and Jeffrey of Sacramento, and grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Jim played baseball (Land Park Little League), and was a boy scout (Troop 29/Land Park). He attended Cal Jr. High, and graduated from McClatchy High School in 1961 where he played football. Jim's college career included a BS in English from Lewis and Clark (Portland) and a Master's Degree in Fine Arts from the Writers Workshop at the University of Iowa. He taught three years at Western Michigan University (Kalamazoo) and then at Franklin High School in Portland. Jim and wife, Barbara, served one year in VISTA, (domestic Peace Corp). A private service will be held in Portland. So long Jim. You are missed and will be fondly remembered.
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Gary Kerns
Jim was a very accomplished athlete, great football and track teammate at Cal and CKM; and a motivated, successful student. Perhaps few knew how fast he was, usually running the 100 yd dash within 10 seconds. We had the joy of reminiscing with him and Barbara at Vic's several years ago. "Fair winds and following seas" my friend. Gary Kerns
Marcia MacDougall (Streech)
I remember. Sitting on the benches outside our Riverside School kindergarten classroom, opening our lunchboxes side by side to see what treasures waited within. Jimmy, forever Jimmy to me. Easy companion, interesting conversationalist, big brain and happy, always happy. Grateful to have reconnected if only for a few minutes at the reunion, to have met your wife. You will be missed but never forgotten.
Marcia MacDougall Streech
Richard Taketa
Five years ago, I unexpectedly received a call from Jim. In his usual jovial, and instantly recognizable voice, he said "T this is Jim Doolittle and I'm going to be in your neighborhood in a few weeks. Can we get together to visit?" I almost fell out of my chair, since we hadn't spoken with each other since college. Of course, I said yes and for the next three years, I was able to meet Barbara, learn about their life's journeys and many adventures and talk about old stories from McClatchy. Being with Jim and Barbara erased an almost 45 year gap, in our friendship.
Memories of Jim will ALWAYS bring a smile to my face and my gratitude that Jim took the time and effort to rekindle our friendship.
Richard Taketa