CMA remembers James Dooms

James Dooms, a member of the Cabinet Makers Association and secretary of its board of directors, died May 15 in a plane crash. He was 39.

Dooms was a passenger in a Yak-52, a Russian plane from World War II that crashed while performing stunts as a fund-raiser for a local chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association.

Dooms, a resident of North Palm Beach, Fla., is survived by his wife, Paula. His company, Charter Furniture and Designs, produces high-end casework and millwork for designers and contractors.

The Web site devoted to his true passion, action sports photography, bore the tagline, "Creatively avoiding work since 1985!," yet Dooms had plans to launch a third business when he died near Jensen Beach, according to the CMA.

The CMA issued the following statement: "James was a valued member of the CMA, an unusual talent, a respected leader and an inspiration to us. His input and assistance helped our organization reach a higher level of professionalism, for which we will ever be grateful."

The CMA has established a fund in Dooms' memory. Proceeds will be donated to the Surfrider Foundation (www.surfrider.org), dedicated to conserving healthy oceans. To make a donation, contact CMA executive director Dave Grulke at director@cabinetmakers.org or 414-377-1340.