James E. Douglas

  James E. Douglas, 88, of North Vernon, died at 4:48 a.m. January 25, 2019, at Columbus Transitional Care and Rehabilitation Center. James was born April 8, 1930, in Washington, Indiana, the son of William and Lola Marie Evans Douglas.  He married Velta Marie Silence October 14, 1960, and she preceded him in death October 19, 2009.   He was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Columbus and a 50 year member of the local #741 union. James was a people person and never met a stranger. He loved his children and grandchildren, but mostly God. He was looking forward to being reunited with his wife, Velta. The funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, January 28, 2019, at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home with the Rev. Stan Loutner officiating. Calling will from 10 a.m. until the time of service Monday. Burial will be at Flat Rock Baptist Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to First Church of the Nazarene of Columbus in memory of James.   Survivors include his daughter, Connie Kimbler of North Vernon; grandchildren, Steven Douglas Jr., Darla Peek, Lori Fields, Kristy Carpenter, Shane Kimbler, Troy Strong, Russell Strong, David Strong, Ronnie Jo Crosier, Sandy Collins and Wendy Betz; 24 great- grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; a daughter-in-law, Lynn Turner; and a nephew, David (Annette) Blount. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Velta; sons, Steven Douglas and Ron Strong and daughter, Ruth Strong; brother, Bill Douglas and sisters, Lola Mae Roach and Vivian Douglas; a granddaughter, Ruth Ann Strong; great-granddaughter, Michelle Kiewitt; and a son-in-law, Gene Kimbler.