Dr. James Douglas Wolfe

James Douglas Wolfe passed away at home on October 5, 2025 at the age of 84 surrounded by his beloved family.

Doug was born on June 28, 1941 in Garden City, Kansas and grew up on the family wheat farm between Dighton and Garden City. He learned to drive a tractor by the age of 10, was able to repair machine equipment by 12, and acquired a variety of other skills that served him well throughout his life. His formal education began in a one room rural school, through 8th grade. For high school he lived with his grandmother in town and sold eggs from the farm door to door for spending money and school clothing. He served as an officer in school extracurricular groups, including Future Farmers of America, Debate Club, and Honors Society. He graduated as Valedictorian of his class.

Doug was drawn to electronic advancements from an early age which led him to pursue a Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Kansas in 1963. His supervisory professor suggested he continue advanced studies at the University of Texas in Austin and assisted in getting him financial support there as a Teaching Assistant in the Electrical Engineering Department. At U. T, he acquired his Masters degree in 1965 , then his PhD degree in 1968. During his college career he was a member of Tau Beta Pi and Sigma Xi honor societies.

Through very frugal living he was able to pay for his schooling and even indulged in his love of airplanes by taking flying lessons. He had almost completed his pilot’s license when he began courting his future wife, Lora Ann Hays in 1965. In order to be married and support both of them in college , he gave up his flying hobby but continued his interest in the science of flight. Doug and Lora married in 1966 and finished their degrees at U. T. They raised three children and lived a life that was family centered. He delighted in the grandchildren as they came along and worked to build a legacy in a similar vein as his parents had.

Doug and Lora chose to stay in Texas when deciding which employment offer to accept after college and moved to Fort Worth, TX , where he began working for General Dynamics, ( later known as Lockheed Martin). During his 34 year career there he specialized in Advanced Avionics and worked on many well known aircraft programs such as the F-111, F-117, and F-16. At his retirement celebration, many younger engineers shared their gratitude for his mentorship at Lockheed. Throughout his long career he continued returning to his family farm for wheat harvest every summer and assisted in managing its operations after his father’s death.

Doug’s hobbies were always project oriented. He built a china hutch and cabinet from pecan wood, patio arbours, kitchen renovation and a shop from ground up. Automobile mechanical work was ongoing and he taught his children those skills. He was always ready to help anyone that asked for advice on all home maintenance needs. During college he developed an avocation for computers. He began building his own version of a personal computer before they were commercially available. Up-grading and redesigning his own computer systems was a lifelong activity. His children all acquired skills in this technology before they could read.

Doug fought several health issues most of his life. He saw them as a challenge to be thoroughly researched and managed.

Doug was predeceased by his parents Jim Wolfe and Bernice Mead Wolfe. He is survived by his wife of 59 years; Lora Hays Wolfe, children; Bruce Wolfe, Bridget (Tiffany) Wolfe, and Heather (Jeff) Flinn; grandchildren Amy Wolfe (Ryan Abear), Heidi Wolfe, Ashlyn Flinn, James Flinn, and Isla Flinn, brothers; Dean (Cheryl) Wolfe and Dave (Shirley) Wolfe, and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, The American Heart Association or UT Southwestern Medical Center, Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center.

A visitation for James will be held Monday, October 13, 2025 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home, 5725 COLLEYVILLE BLVD, COLLEYVILLE, TX 76034. A celebration of life will occur Monday, October 13, 2025 from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM, 5725 COLLEYVILLE BLVD, COLLEYVILLE, TX 76034. A committal will occur Monday, October 13, 2025 from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM, 5725 COLLEYVILLE BLVD, COLLEYVILLE, TX 76034. A reception will occur Monday, October 13, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, 5725 COLLEYVILLE BLVD, COLLEYVILLE, TX 76034.