John Andrew Douglas was born in Mobile, Alabama on July 28, 1896, and graduated from Alabama Polytechnic Institute and received an Electrical Engineering degree in 1919. While at A.P.I., Douglas was active in the band and orchestra, playing flute and piccolo. After graduation from A.P.I., Douglas served in the U.S. Navy during WWI. After military service in the navy, he pursued a career in engineering and teaching. He also received a M.S. degree in electrical engineering from the State University of Iowa, and continued his interest in music by playing in local orchestras. Douglas died in 1984 and was survived by his widow, Estelle Douglas of Mobile, Alabama.