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James Phillip Nicholai Dokken obituary, 8/25/06


James Phillip Nicholai Dokken, of McLean, Va., and formerly of Cokato, died Friday, Aug. 25, 2006, at his home, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
Jim was born April 14, 1929, in Cokato, the youngest of five sib-lings. After graduating valedictorian of the Class of 1947, while lettering in football, basketball, and baseball, he attended the University of Minnesota and Gustavus Adolphus College.
After three years, he chose to interrupt his studies and enlist in the US Air Force during the Korean War. He graduated as a distinguished aviation cadet from the US Air Force Navigation School, received his commission, and was triple rated as a navigator, bombardier, and radar observer; ultimately achieving the rank of captain before he was discharged in 1954.
Jim returned to school and obtained his bachelor of arts degree from the Colorado State College of Education in 1955, and his master’s degree in public administration from the University of Minnesota in 1956.
Jim served over 30 years in federal government as a senior emergency and disaster relief management executive, before retiring in 1987.
He met his wife, Lois, while both worked in Battle Creek, Mich. They were married in 1962, at New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in Washington, D.C. Jim and Lois resided in Arlington, Va., for seven years, then moved to McLean, Va., where they raised their three sons.
As active members of Lewinsville Presbyterian Church since 1969, Jim served in many areas including Sunday school teacher, baritone in the choir, usher, Worship Committee member, and Deacon. He unselfishly contributed to and helped shape the church and its mission, while independently volunteering at DC soup kitchens and for causes such as handgun control.
After retirement, he accompanied Lois on her overseas assignments and was active in the local church communities, leading stewardship campaigns, serving on Session, and as always, singing in the choir. He was very active in the church at home and abroad, and gave generously of his time and energies to touch the lives of others.
Jim is survived by his wife of 44 years, Lois; his three sons and their families: Tim, Patty, and Andrew Dokken of Falls Church, Va.; David, Tina, Jack, Sam, and Joe Dokken of Arlington, Va.; and Mark and Debbie Dokken of Linden, Va.; and his sisters Evelyn Grivna of Cokato, and Marian Peterson of Dassel.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Donald, and sister, Mildred.
A memorial service took place Thursday, Aug. 31 at 2 p.m. at Lewinsville Presbyterian Church in McLean, Va.
Arrangements were handled by Advent Funeral & Cremation Services in Falls Church, Va.

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