James Aubrey Dugelby

James Aubrey Dugelby, born September 15, 1933, passed away in his sleep October 24, 2012. Jim was born and raised in Mexico with his older sister, Joan Dugelby Lambrichts. Jim's father was very Scottish; his mother was very French. They met in Germany and moved to Mexico to run a textile factory. Jim told his children stories of his life in Mexico that sounded more like enchanted fairy tales than any real life. He spoke of glass mountains, dense magical forests, empty white sand beaches, botanical remedies for every ailment, and songs from Old Mexico. His mother took Jim and Joan to France to visit her family in 1939, where they were trapped in occupied France for four years when World War II broke out. Their experiences there and their harrowing escape provided more incredible stories.

Jim went on to graduate from MIT in 1956 with a degree in aeronautical engineering. He taught at Oklahoma University in Norman as well as worked for numerous aircraft companies: Rockwell, Cessna Aircraft, Piper Aircraft, Swearingen Aircraft, Dee Howard, Frakes Aviation, Jet Aviation, and had a long career with Mooney Aircraft in Kerrville, TX. He formed his own aeronautical engineering firm, Threshold Engineering Company and worked for many international aircraft firms.

It was in Kerrville that he met his wife of 30 years, Betty Russell Dugelby. He helped raise her two small boys, Robert and Mark Loop, and together their three children, Barbara Dugelby Ramirez, Gail Dugelby Gallegos, and James Michael Dugelby. He was an incredible cook - chef is probably a better word. His circle of friends and family were always well fed and happy to receive his extras. He had the most beautiful handwriting and was lately getting back into documenting his extraordinary life stories. He treasured his conversations and correspondence with his cousin Bruce Dugelby in Canada. His neighbor, Loretta shared many hours with him enjoying conversation, recipes, and events for more than a decade.

He was brilliant in so many ways. He had a beautiful singing voice and performed on the Riverwalk in the 1970's with a group of Spanish singers. He painted, he gardened, he invented. He was picky and cantankerous. He was rude and gruff. He was hilarious and warm. He was deep and full of flavor. He was our Dad. He is loved by so many, and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James & Louise Dugelby and his sister. He is survived by his five children and their spouses, his cousin Bruce, his niece, Jacqueline Lambrichts, and his twelve grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held in his home on Sunday, November 4, 2012, from 2:00 - 4:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to the Hollywood Park Humane Society, 2 Mecca Drive, San Antonio, TX, 78232.