On July 3, 2025, the Signal Mountain Genealogical Society honored James L. Douthat (Jim) by presenting a plaque in his memory to the Signal Mountain Library. Present at this event were members of Jim’s family and committee members of the society who were responsible for organizing this tribute.
James Douthat was a well-known author, publisher, genealogist and historian. He established The Mountain Press on Signal Mountain, and published over 600 books over the years on various historical and genealogical subjects.
He held many leadership positions and received numerous awards from genealogy and historical societies.
Officials said, "Jim was a minister in the United Methodist Church, and in his retirement, he remained an active member of the community he loved. He invested his time, talents and heart into the place and people around him. He will be remembered for his lifelong contributions to preserving the history and genealogy of Walden’s Ridge, Signal Mountain, the State of Tennessee and the Southeast."
The Signal Mountain Genealogical Society meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the Walden Town Hall at 1 p.m. Visitors are always welcome.
Pictured, seated, are Willela Douthat, Jim’s wife, and Marilee Cleland, his daughter; standing, left to right, are Margaret Smith, John Atkinson (librarian), Cynthia Guffey (committee chairman), Susan Gruber, Elaine Robinson (society president) and Thomas A. Douthat, his son.