Douglas C. James ’62

Doug died Nov. 22, 2025, of complications from pneumonia in Hyde Park, N.Y. He came to Princeton from Lake Forest Academy with a set of drums and three cars (only one permit). His father, Charles 1927, and brother Charles V. ’53 preceded him at Princeton.

Doug played freshman soccer, majored in English, dined at Colonial, and played drums in jazz ensembles, even playing for ’62’s 50th reunion. He served as an officer in both the Army and the Naval Reserves. After a year in law school, he went into public relations in Milwaukee and New York City before starting his own firm.

Doug moved to Woodstock, N.Y., in 1971 after visiting a musical friend, John Simon ’63. He was entrenched in Woodstock’s musical society, including Levon Helm, Jack DeJohnnette, and Charles Mingus. He had a recording studio on his rustic but beautiful property. He also supported/led The Woodstock Guild, which required organizational and PR skills. Coincidentally, his grandfathers co-founded the fine arts museums in Milwaukee and Minneapolis.

Doug had a 40-year relationship with Kathleen Kenyon. He was the caregiver for Kathleen, who predeceased him in 2023, and her identical twin sister, Colleen, as their health declined.