James Eugene "Jim" McDole

LCDR James ""Jim"" Eugene McDole, USN (Ret.), 88, entered into rest on Sunday, November 20, 2016.
James was born August 24, 1928 to the late Arthur Amber and Mary (Nail) McDole in Ballinger, TX. James was a career Navy man, drafted into service in 1946 as an ensign. His strength, tenacity, and knack for knowing when to ""keep his mouth shut"" assured him advancement throughout his naval career. He served during WWII, Korea, and Vietnam and retired as a decorated war veteran. Jim was one of the original Navy Sea Lab's aquanauts (testing the viability of underwater living.) He was also recognized for his contributions to the world of deep sea diving and was instrumental in testing the limits of the human body. His work helped to form our modern dive tables.
Jim's next chapter found him doing contract work and travelling the world, making both Scotland and Bahrain his home for a time. He enjoyed a second retirement and embarked upon his next adventure: fulfilling a long-held dream of becoming a cattle rancher and settling in the Arkansas Ozarks.
The next leg of his journey involved yet a third ""retirement"" as he and his family moved to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, settling on the Sioux Bayou in Gautier, MS. He took great delight in having time to relax and enjoy the fruits of life on the coastal waterways.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife of over 40 years, Joahan (Grimm), with whom he shared his love for travel and life on the water. He is also survived by his children: Lisa A. Powell (husband Scott) of Julian, CA, Mike McDole (wife Timea) of Ventura, CA, and Randi McDole of Mobile, AL. Grandchildren: Chris Powell (wife Manuela), Julie Powell, Kari Powell, Greta McDole, and Daniel McDole. Great-grandchildren: Samantha and Jake Powell. Siblings: Melody Juanita Miller of Forsyth, MO, Bobby Ray ""Dusty"" (wife Beth) McDole of Dunnelon, FL, and Lorna Sue Doan (husband Roger) of Lewisville, TX.
James is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Kenneth Leroy of Abeline, TX, and Arthur David of Ava, MO, and a sister, Joyce Evelyn of Ballinger, TX.
Visitation will be Friday, November 25, 2016 from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm at The RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 274 Beauvoir Rd, Biloxi, MS 39531, with a funeral service beginning at 1:30 pm in the funeral home chapel. Pastor Dennis Ray Smith will officiate. Burial service will follow at the Biloxi National Cemetery with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations be given in memory of LCDR James E. McDole to the Man in the Sea Museum at 17314 Panama City Beach Parkway, Panama City Beach, FL 32413.
An online guestbook may be signed and tributes offered at www.riemannfamily.com