James W. Doolittle, 79

James Doolittle, 79, of Whitefish, passed away on Dec. 14, 2025, surrounded by family after a long illness.

Born in Waterbury, Connecticut, Jim was a modern-day Leonardo da Vinci whose restless intellect wove together mechanical, electrical, chemical and robotics engineering, invention, gunsmithing, metallurgy, nuclear technology, botany and the healing value of plants. He didn't just master fields; he lived them.

He was a prolific inventor who held multiple U.S. Patents.

He served in the US Navy as a nuclear weapons technician. He cherished the travel, the opportunities to experience cultures around the world and forged lifelong friendships during his time there.

Jim, (or Uncle Dudley to some!) was not one to settle down, and lived and traveled all over the U.S. He finally was able to spend time in Alaska before moving to Montana to build his cabin, and it was here that he devoted himself to things that brought him joy — hunting, fishing, gunsmithing, cooking and getting together with his Ham radio friends for Saturday breakfasts.

He left this world the same way he lived it, with quiet strength, boundless curiosity, and a heart full of wonder. The world feels quieter, the woods less alive, and every pie less sweet without him.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Ruth Doolittle and his brother, Bob. 

He is survived by his nieces, Shari Smith and Amity Zander. 

He touched the lives of many and will be missed with an emptiness that will echo in the hearts of everyone who loved him.

Graveside services will be held at Conrad Cemetery in Kalispell on Friday, May 8, at 1 p.m.