James H. Doelling

James H. “Jim” Doelling passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026, surrounded by the memories of a life well lived with family and friends. He was born February 1, 1948 to the late Bessie Lou (Parker) and Gustave H. Doelling.

Jim graduated from Permian High School in 1966 and later attended Texas Tech University, where he met Beverly Jo Fails. The two were married in 1971 and later divorced in 1981. Jim spent his career self-employed in the family oil and gas business.

Most people knew him simply as Jim. He loved spending time with his family in Fredericksburg, Texas, and enjoyed visiting with friends at the American Legion in Odessa each week. As the child of a veteran, he was proud to be a member of the American Legion and valued the friendships he made there.

Jim had a passion for old muscle cars and hot rods and loved attending car shows and automotive events with his family, as well as his friend Memo Hernandez. He also enjoyed scuba diving around the world and, earlier in life, flying his own airplane as a private pilot. In his spare time, Jim enjoyed collecting and shooting firearms and studying the history of World War II.

He is survived by his sons, Troy Doelling and wife Nikki of Wylie, and Trevor Doelling of Georgetown; his brother, Jay P. Doelling of Zephyr; his niece, Crystal Lehrmann and husband Jeremy of Rising Star; and two grandchildren, Dylan Doelling and wife Sierra and Maranda Doelling, all of Odessa.

He was preceded in death by his parents, G.H. and Bessie Lou Doelling.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 21, at 1:00 p.m. at the chapel of Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors.

Jim will be remembered for his love of family, his adventurous spirit, and the many friendships he built throughout his life.