James S. Doolittle
June 14, 1928 - Sept. 9, 2007
South Bend Tribune, September 13, 2007
NILES - James S. Doolittle, 79, of Regent Street, died following a brief illness at 7:15 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 9, in West Woods of Niles. Mr. Doolittle was born on June 14, 1928, in Peoria, IL, to Rev. Charles T. and Ruth L. (Schermerhorn) Doolittle. He had lived in Niles since 1959, coming from Grand Rapids, MI. James attended the University of Michigan for four years and played in the University's Marching Band. He retired in 1989 after 30 years of service from Chase Clark Credit in Buchanan, MI. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Niles, where he was an elder, Sunday school teacher, trustee and member of the foundation board. James volunteered as a board member for several city civic organizations. He enjoyed traveling, playing bridge and playing his trumpet. He enjoyed gathering with family and friends. On October 11, 1952, in Grand Rapids, James married the former Marilyn J. West, who survives. He is also survived by two daughters, Sharon R. (Mark Bedrosian) Doolittle of North Providence, RI, and Linda A. (Mark) Thomsen of Brookline, MA; a grandson, Max Thomsen of Brookline; and a sister, Lois Winchester of Cathedral City, CA. Mr. Doolittle was preceded in death by a son, David J. Doolittle, who died on May 15, 1969, and by a brother who died in infancy. The funeral service for James S. Doolittle will be at 2 p.m. today, Sept. 13, in the First Presbyterian Church, Niles, with Rev. Stephen Kaszar of United Presbyterian Church, Cassopolis, MI, officiating. Burial will be at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles. The family will receive relatives and friends beginning one hour prior to the services in the Tyler Chapel at the church. Contributions in memory of James S. Doolittle may be made to the University of Michigan Band Scholarship Fund, Attn: Matt Burrows, Revelli Band Hall, 350 E. Hoover Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104.