Marion-James “Jim” Douglas, 74, passed away at Parkway Manor in Marion on Saturday, November 05, 2016 at 3:42am surrounded by his family.
One of the best cowboys ever is now riding that Big Range in the sky, probably on a horse called Baldy with a couple of good cow dogs tagging along named Bonnie and Clyde.
Jim was born on February 14, 1942 to Jay and Arlene (Rhoden) Douglas in Coles County, IL.
In 1972 he moved his family to Southern Illinois and bought a farm in Ozark. Jim had cattle scattered on pastures all over southern Illinois. In 1980 he bought a sale barn then in 1985 he married Saundra Hudgens and together they owned and operated Goreville Livestock Auctions for 26 years. In 2006 they sold the business and semi-retired. Jim continued in the cattle business and bought a yearling cutting horse and trained him and showed in cuttings, winning some. That was one of his proudest accomplishments along with driving a 4-horse hitch to a stagecoach. Jim will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Survivors include:
Wife-Saundra Douglas of Marion
Children:
Julie Day and husband Gary of Columbia, KY
Kristie Gassaway and husband Greg of Glasgow, KY
Mark Douglas and fiancé Terra Farris of Scottsville, KY
Mother-Arlene Douglas of Mattoon
Step children:
Todd Kelley and wife Tina of Marion
Scott Kelley and fiancé Michelle West of Marion
Grandchildren:
Jaimi Devine of Columbia, KY
Jenee Devine of Bowling Green, KY
Garet Payne of Glasgow, KY
Jaylee Douglas of Marion
Brother-Steve Douglas and wife Keri of Stephenville, TX
Nephew-Scott Douglas and wife Beth of Dublin, TX
Neice-Dawn Douglas and Michael Beyer of Stephenville, TX
Aunt-Dorothy Phillips of Matton
Mother of his children-Sharon Proue of Dade City, FL
He was preceded in death by his father
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2016 at 1pm at the Southern Range Cowboy Church in the Salebarn at Pulley’s Mill with Pastor Jason Forby officiating. Burial will follow at Fountain Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday, November 7, 2016 from 5pm-8pm at the Blue Funeral Home in Goreville.
Memorial donations are suggested to Hospice of Southern Illinois or Fountain Cemetery and will be accepted at Blue Funeral Home/ PO Box 411/ Marion, IL 62948. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.bluefuneralhome.com