Obituary of James Louis Douthat
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James L. Douthat, age 85, of Pikeville, TN, passed away, surrounded by family on Sunday, November 17, 2024.
Jim was a retired United Methodist minister from the Holston Conference and served many churches in the area. Jim was also a noted author, publisher, historian and genealogist.
Jim grew up in Bluefield, Virginia and received 5 degrees: Pre-Medicine from Bluefield College, Biology Degree from Virginia Tech, Bachelors and Masters of Divinity from Emory University-Candler School of Theology, and a Masters in Counseling from Tennessee Tech.
He was very active in the community and was instrumental in the establishment of Bachman Community Center on Signal Mountain. Jim held many leadership positions and received numerous awards from many genealogy societies. During his years, he was a part of Holston Conference Archives and Historical Society, Chattanooga Area Historical Association, Signal Mountain Genealogical Society, Delta Genealogy Society, and East Tennessee Historical Society.
Jim and his wife, Willela Kell Douthat, returned to Signal Mountain over 35 years ago. They have been very active in the Signal Mountain Methodist Church, where they met almost 60 years ago.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mary Douthat; and his sister, Roberta Bellamy.
Jim is survived by his wife, Willela; son, Thomas A. Douthat; daughter and son-in-law, Marilee and Mike Cleland; two granddaughters, Sara Elizabeth Cleland and Caroline Grace Cleland; and sister, Margaret Elam Anderson.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. EST at Signal Mountain United Methodist Church, 3419 Taft Highway, Signal Mountain, TN. Online condolences can be made at www.reedfamilyfh.com. Arrangements are by Putnam-Reed Funeral Home, 1171 Main Street, Pikeville, TN. Visitation will be held Saturday, November 23, 2024 from 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. EST at Signal Mountain United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial contributions to the General Fund at www.signalmountainumc.org/donate or Venmo @ SignalMountain-UMC.
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In Loving Memory
James Douthat
1939 - 2024
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