Helen Louise Douglas

At 99 years young, Helen died unexpectedly on October 14 at St Joseph Hospital. She was surrounded by her loving family when she passed. Helen Louise James was born in Mobridge, South Dakota on October 6, 1918 one of six children to Henry and Lydia (Parker) James. After graduation in Mobridge she moved to Oregon where she worked for Western Union in Klamath Falls. There she met the love of her life, Francis (Doug) McB Douglas. They became engaged and soon after Pearl Harbor, Doug joined the Army. Helen continued as a telegrapher often working 7 days a week. After the war ended they were married. Doug worked for the Bureau of Reclamation and they lived in several locations in CA and OR. 

After they moved to Allyn, WA in 1952 they adopted their son, David. They moved to Eureka in 1956 where Doug managed Coast Oyster. Helen lived for her family and was a hostess to Doug's business associates and was the leader of David's cub scouts. She was a member of the Gadabouts and enjoyed golfing. Helen loved to paint and many of her original paintings are in her home. In 1977, in search of warmer weather, they moved to Willow Creek until 1995 when they moved to Bullhead City, AZ. She was a member of the Bullhead City VFWand the Woman's Club. Helen remained there until 2015 when her son, David, finally convinced her to move back to Eureka. Helen was proud to be sharp minded and live independently in her own home even after turning 99 years old. 

Helen was a rabid Golden State Warriors fan. She knew all of the stats, the players and never missed a game. They lost an incredibly loyal fan. Her sister, Carol (Lani) Coon was her best friend. They called each other several times a week. Helen also had a large family of nephews and nieces that she loved sending letters, cards and getting phone calls from. Her dear friends from Bullhead City, Charlotte and Harold also stayed in contact with her. 

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Francis (Doug) in 1997. Also preceding her was her brother, Bob James and Sisters Muriel Hector, Betty Sprague and Lillian (Jimmy) Niles. Also surviving Helen is her son, David Douglas and his wife Sylvia and their three daughters, Tara (Robert), Morgan (Chad), Erin and great grandson, River. Helen was proud of her son's family and never missed an opportunity to tell people about them. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She will be greatly missed. The family wishes to thank Julie Abrahamsen and Leah Rosa for their assistance and friendship to Helen and the family. 

Cremation care has been entrusted to Humboldt Cremation & Funeral Service.

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