James Bruce Douglas

Master Sergeant James Bruce Douglas, 89  

Cincinnati, Ohio

James “Jim” Bruce Douglas, a proud veteran of the United States Army, United States Air Force, Ohio Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserves, passed away peacefully at home on November 4, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born April 30, 1936, in Dongola, Illinois, Jim was the son of Carroll E. Douglas and Maxine Ridenhour Douglas. At just 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. After the signing of the Armistice Agreement he served in the Graves Registration Service Command during Operation GLORY in the Korean Demilitarized Zone. There he was responsible for installing and dismantling communications during the exchange of fallen soldiers.

After his honorable discharge, Jim attended Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri, where he met the love of his life, Betty Louise Roy. They married on May 23, 1957, and together raised their daughter, Dianna Lynn.

In 1958, Jim joined the U.S. Air Force, serving on active duty until 1968. He continued his service with the Ohio Air National Guard and Air Force Reserves until his full military retirement. His assignments took him to bases including Thule Air Base, Hanscom AFB, Scott AFB, Keesler AFB, RAF Croughton, MacDill AFB, and several others. He served with distinction in radio and microwave relay operations, and as an instructor.

After retiring from active duty, Jim and Betty made their home in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he worked for Cincinnati Milacron for 25 years. His colleagues there affectionately dubbed him the “Clermont County Ornithologist” in recognition of his deep love for birdwatching.

Jim’s commitment to service extended far beyond the military. He volunteered with the Forest Park Fire Department, Clermont Senior Services, and Clermont County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), where he also served on the board. Known for his quiet generosity, Jim often provided anonymous support to those in need—acts of kindness that may never be fully known but were deeply felt.

Jim will be remembered for his unwavering integrity, humility, and devotion to family and community. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the values he upheld.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Betty; daughter, Dianna Schuster (Randy); sister, Diane Stewart (Mark); grandchildren, Sarah M. Crawford (Todd) and Robert J. Schuster (Amanda); great-grandchildren, Carter Maxwell Crawford, Madeline Virginia Crawford, Baron Douglas Schuster, and Emerson Elizabeth Schuster; a niece, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Michael L. Douglas.

A visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 17, 2025, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Moriah United Methodist Church. Interment will take place privately with immediate family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites memorial contributions to be made to:  

– Mt. Moriah United Methodist Church “Christmas Anonymous” Ministry, 681 Mt. Moriah Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45245  

– Clermont County Community Services, 3003 Hospital Drive, Batavia, Ohio 45103 (please note for “Homeless Services”)