James Doornbos

James “Jim” Doornbos was born on August 30, 1942, in El Dorado, Kansas, the son of Harry and Mildred (Wilson) Doornbos. He graduated from Kansas State University and went on to serve more than twenty years in the United States Air Force, earning an honorable discharge. During the Vietnam Conflict he flew helicopters, then spent the majority of his career piloting C-141 transport aircraft, serving as a flight instructor and overseeing flight instruction programs. After retiring from the Air Force, he continued his work in aviation as head of global training on the C-17 for McDonnell Douglas and Boeing.

On August 16, 1964, Jim married Norma Banks in El Dorado. He was a skilled carpenter who loved fishing, hunting, and attending farm sales and auctions. Above all, he was a devoted storyteller and jokester whose tales—drawn from a life rich in experience—brought laughter and connection to everyone around him. His greatest joy was his family, and he cherished every moment spent with his children and grandchildren.

Jim is survived by his wife, Norma, of El Dorado; his children, Scott (Sheryl) Doornbos of Ponca City, Oklahoma, and David (Brandy) Doornbos of Siloam Springs, Arkansas; grandchildren Madison (Chase) Kurtz, Shelby Doornbos, Jamison Doornbos, Jackson Doornbos, Ashleigh (Colton) Stipp, Taylor Woods, and Hunter Hurley; five great-grandchildren; and his siblings Larry (Jane) Doornbos, Mary Young, Sharon (Terry) Funk, and Cheryl (Ancil) Juby. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother and sister-in-law Jerald (Mary) Doornbos, and his brother-in-law Jay Young.

Jim passed away on March 10, 2026, in Wichita, Kansas.