James Douglas Erz

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James Douglas Erz, D.V.M. (Ret.) "Doc"

Doc was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on December 20, 1930 and died on December 4, 2012. He was the youngest son of Paul Frederick and Kathryn Seton Erz.

He attended Ogden High School, graduating in 1949, and later graduated from Utah State University. Following college, he joined the National Guard where the 204th Field Artillery Unit was activated and he was sent to Korea. While serving in Korea he was awarded the Purple Heart and Silver Star. Following his military service, he attended Colorado State University where he received a Doctorate''s Degree in Veterinary Medicine. He worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad for several years while attending university in order to finance his education.

James was active in sports being an all-around accomplished athlete, playing basketball, football, track, and shot-put. Later in his years he was an avid golfer. He fished many years catching several trophy fish and was featured in Field and Game Magazine.

In 1950, James married Darlene Pedersen (Tacconi). They had three daughters, Cara, Denice, and Sheila. Together, he and Darlene built the Erz Animal Hospital where Doc practiced for over 30 years. James also built the Erz Gas and Grocery Store which his daughters and their families own and operate. After his divorce in 1995, he married Jolene C. Jackson.

Doc was a 32nd degree Mason, held membership in the Ogden Golf and Country Club, B.P.O.E., Eagles, American Legion, and Weber Wildcat Club.

James is survived by his wife Jolene, his dear friend Darlene Pedersen Erz (Tacconi), three daughters, Cara Webb, Denice (Terry) Carver, and Sheila (Dennis) Woodward; five grandchildren, Jennifer (Jason) Melling, Erica (Paul) Petrucci, Amy (Leon) Noel, Jonathan Carver, and Jean-Paul (Shylah) Poirier.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Paul Erz and sister Kathryn Pomeranz Baxter.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, December 13, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. at Lindquist''s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Family will meet with friends from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

Cremation entrusted to Lindquist''s Ogden Mortuary.

"Gone fishing, golfing, and perhaps playing a little pool or Texas Hold ''Em."