Douglas Alan James, born December 10, 1965, passed away on July 3, 2024, surrounded by his family in Eureka.

Douglas, born #10 into a large family, was the baby. He would always say, “Mom was saving the best for last.”

He is survived by his brother Darrell “Joe” Sherman; sisters Diane “Susie” Wilson, Alzada “Sandy” Duncan; children, Aaron Bennett, Corey Cole, Teresa McGinnis, Angela King, Isabella James, Angeleah James, Carol Lowe; grandchildren, Donovan Bennett, Shaya Robinson, Kiara McGinnis, Mikaela James-Wheeler, Chayce McGinnis, Shane James, Jeremy Houston Jr., Rachel Houston, Volinda Houston, Isaiah James, Octavia Lowe; great-grandchildren, Nora Bennett, Haley Bennett, Annika Bennett. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends, too many to name.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Beverly Jean James (Moorehead); fathers, Melvin “Red” James Sr., Cecil “Smokey” Sherman Sr.; brothers Duane “Pete” Sherman, Robert Sherman, Dennis Sherman Sr., Cecil “Sharky” Sherman Jr., Melvin “YoYo” James Jr.; sisters Diane Sherman, Shirley Sherman, Donna Sherman, Pamela James, Patty James; nieces Stacy Lynn Sherman, Debra Albers (Sherman); great-nephew Alex Lopez.

Douglas, an avid Raiders fan, enjoyed going to their games and collecting Raiders memorabilia, including several Raiders and Raiderettes tattoos. He would always bet his money on the Raiders, no matter the season. His loyalty was impeccable. A true RAIDER 4 LIFE. For this reason, Douglas’ children would like to ask that you wear something with the Raiders team logo or their colors, silver and black

Douglas, a Wiyot Tribal Member, grew up on the Table Bluff Rez in Loleta and the Tolowa Rez in Smith River. He attended Loleta Elementary School and Fortuna Union High School.

Douglas held several different jobs, including bucking hay, fisheries, Fidgelands potatoes, Stanhurst Bulb Farm and as a comedian.

Douglas had a great sense of humor. He was always laughing and joking, making people laugh. He also had a big heart and always had his door open for anyone who needed help, a place to stay, something to eat, and, back in the day, a place to party, drink, listen to music, and play games: cards, dice, dominoes, darts, horseshoes. He played them all “victoriously!” Beating him rarely happened.

All are welcome and invited to come and share Douglas’ celebration of life beginning on July 13, 2024. His graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. in the Sunset Memorial Park, located at 3975 Broadway, Eureka. This will be followed by Douglas’ celebration of life potluck held at Bear River Tish Non Community Center, located at 266 Keisner Road, Loleta. Come share your stories and memories of Douglas with us.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Douglas James’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.