John William Douglas (Big John) passed away on December 13^th, 2024, peacefully, at his home in Richland, Washington.  He was born on February 3, 1939, to Foster and Catherine Douglas in Yakima, Washington.  He graduated from Wapato High School in 1957 and married the one true love of his life, Judy Amsbaugh, the same year on September 26^th.  They moved to Seattle where he attended the University of Washington on an athletic scholarship.  He played basketball for four years and threw the javelin where he nearly qualified for the Olympics.

After completing his bachelor’s degree in business, he and Judy came back to Wapato to begin his farming career and raise their three daughters Kim, Holly and Jill.  In 1980, he and his brother Bill purchased farm ground in the Columbia Basin and founded Douglas Fruit Company (packing and storage facility) in 1983.  He continued the farming legacy established by his father, Foster, growing stone fruit, pears and apples.  John was active in the industry for 60 years, serving on the Soft Fruit Commission for 30 plus years.  He was very passionate not only about farming and growing trees, but just as passionate about providing opportunities for his employees.  His love for farming was unparalleled.  Big John was a frugal and selfless person, and his primary commitment was always to make sure his family and future generations were taken care of, including being happy and safe.  He accomplished this and more.

Throughout his life, he remained active in athletics, playing tennis, golf, fly fishing and salmon fishing in Alaska with his sons-in-law, friends and grandchildren.  Eventually even embracing his granddaughters Chelsea and Mikal at Fish Camp.  Later in his career, he and Judy would spend winters in Palm Desert where they enjoyed the warm weather, spending time with friends and playing bridge.  He was a big man, with a gruff first impression, but for those that knew him, he was a kind, gentle giant, with a huge heart.

He was survived by his brother Bill Douglas, his daughters Kim, Holly and Jill, his grandchildren Levi, Tyler, Mikal Mae, John, Chelsea, Nicholas, and Ciara and his great grandchildren Charlie, Blake, Nixon, Robbie, and Seve.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Chaplaincy Hospice Care:  1480 Fowler Street, Richland, WA 99352 (509) 783-7416, or to any charity of your choice.

A celebration of life will be held on January 3, 2025, at 3:00 pm at Einan’s at Sunset Funeral Home, 915 Bypass Highway, Richland, WA 99352.