James Douglas Coulter

Doug was born 17 November 1948 in Cleveland, Tennessee, the son of James J Coulter and Jesse W Coulter. He was an only child.

Doug graduated Tyrner High School, Tyner, Tennessee, and attended Tennessee Technological University for three years. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in August 1969. Doug would later earn a college degree and two master’s degrees.

Doug spent 29 years 6 months in the United States Air Force. He was a communications specialist. He served in Italy, Turkey, Germany and around the United States, retiring on 31 December 1991 as a Senior Master Sergeant. He holds the Meritorious Service Medal 1 OLC, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal 1 OLC, Air Force Good Conduct Medal 6 OLC, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Long Tour Ribbon 3 OLC, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon 4 OLC, NCO Professional Education Graduate Ribbon 1 OLC, Air Force Training Ribbon.

After his Air Force Career Doug worked for several Defense Contractors providing technical and consulting service to various Department of Defense Agencies. Doug would later move into management and for a number of years was a site lead for his employer. He retired in 2018 and pursued skeet shooting and travel.

Doug is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Wilma J. Coulter. They shared many adventures over his career in Europe and the United States traveling and shooting skeet. After his retirement they continued to travel extensively enjoying every minute of their adventures. He is also survived by brother-in-law, Wayne (Carolyn) Sneed; sister-in-law, Janie Soloff and numerous nieces and nephews.

Doug won many multiple Skeet Championships including the 12 Gauge Open World Championship in 2009. He was on many All-American Teams over his lifetime. He was inducted into the Armed Forces Hall of Fame in 1997. Doug shot 280,000 recorded skeet targets since 1972. He mentored other skeet shooters, especially enjoying the younger shooters. He was a true representative of the sport of skeet shooting, a friend and example to all. Doug will be greatly missed!

He passed while in hospice care on 20 February 2025. He had a short fierce battle with brain cancer.

Doug will be cremated and later interred with Military Honors at the Southern Arizona Veterans Cemetery, Sierra Vista, Arizona, near one of his favorite skeet fields.

He will rest forever in the best of all places, in the hearts of those who knew him. “2 at low 8, Doug!”