Jeffrey Douglas

Jeffery James Douglas lived an interesting, challenging, and fulfilling life. He was a child of the 60's, a hippie-dippie through and through. Born in Hartsdale, NY, to Walter and Agnus Douglas on September 25, 1946. He knew no stranger, but very few truly knew him. He is survived by his son Colin Douglas, daughter Meredith Dube, and step-sister Sara-Jean Douglas. He now joins his family: Walter Douglas, Agnus Douglas, Kenny Douglas and Janet Douglas, who preceded him in death. To say that Jeff lived a rough life would be an understatement. Kicked out of his house at 15, he learned many of life's hardest lessons on the rough streets of New York City. Luckily, his grandparents lived in the Boogie-Down Bronx where they tried to guide him in the art of decision-making and adulting. But, a rolling stone gathers no moss, he and a friend grabbed a used army Jeep, like Wyatt and Billy, their wanderlust soon had them cruising the highways across the US experiencing the grandeur of the Golden Gate Bridge, the fresh coastal air of Oregon, and sunny bright skies of California. Alas, Jeff needed a job. Why not start a farm? Jeff and Sue worked the land until other opportunities brought them to North Carolina. It is here Jeff called home. For 25 years, he served as a Randolph county public school teacher and educator to hormone driven, know-it-all, hyperbolic middle school kids. As a retiree, Jeff spent his time as a self-proclaimed "Guardian of the Gorillas" at the North Carolina Zoo and an award-winning volunteer at Randolph Hospital. Jeff was an avid fisherman, traveler, and reader. A history connoisseur, Jeff could bring to life the memory of WWII through his detailed model work of ships, planes, and tanks. He was a liberator of many things including his beloved dog, a scruffy terrier mix named Ginger. Together they hit the road and rediscovered states Jeff knew in his youth. The beach held a special place in his heart and he felt most at peace near water. Jeff was loved and will be missed. No funeral services will be held. Please make donations to the North Carolina Zoo in his name.