James Christopher Doman

James Christopher "Chris" Doman embodied Theodore Roosevelt's philosophy of the "man in the arena," living a life marked by international achievement, educational dedication, and deep family devotion. Born on July 25, 1951, in Madison, Wisconsin, Chris grew up in Janesville, where he would form the foundational friendships and values that would guide him throughout his remarkable journey.

Raised in Janesville, Chris attended St. John Vianney Catholic School before continuing to Craig High School, where he excelled both academically and athletically. His passion for wrestling, racquetball, and running began during these formative years, establishing a lifelong commitment to physical fitness that would see him complete three marathons in later life. At Craig High School, he formed lasting bonds with classmates Scott Miller, Richard Hilmer, John Wilson, John Montifeltro, and Peter Moroni — friendships that would endure for decades.

Chris's educational journey took him to the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree. His academic pursuits continued at the American Graduate School of International Management, known as Thunderbird, where he completed his MBA in 1977. This advanced education in international business would prove instrumental in shaping his future career trajectory across the global medical equipment industry.

His professional life was characterized by leadership roles and extensive international travel, visiting 48 countries while working for prominent medical equipment companies. Chris's career spanned multiple industry leaders, including American Sterilizer, ABC Labs, Cascade Medical, Gentra Systems, Burdick, Amnis, Merck, and Luminex. His expertise in international business operations and team leadership made him a valued executive in the rapidly evolving medical technology sector.

Throughout his career, Chris maintained his connection to education by serving as an adjunct instructor at his alma mater, the University of St. Thomas. In this role, he inspired students by sharing his real-world experience in international business and global markets, bridging the gap between academic theory and practical application.

Chris's professional journey took him to various locations across the United States. He called Erie, Pennsylvania; Columbia, Missouri; and Wayzata, Minnesota home at different stages of his career, adapting to new communities while building lasting relationships wherever he settled.

Family remained at the center of Chris's life throughout his professional achievements. He married Phyllis Anne, and together they raised two daughters: Kate, who married John Wessinger, and Megan, who married Max Bitterman. His greatest pride came from his role as grandfather to five grandchildren: Waverly and Wells Wessinger, and Grayson, Jude, and Beau Bitterman. Chris often spoke of his daughters and grandchildren as his true measures of success, valuing family bonds above professional accomplishments.

His family roots in Wisconsin remained important throughout his life. Chris was preceded in death by his parents, Alice Ann and Don Doman. He maintained close relationships with his siblings: John Doman, Mary Stevens, and Katie Salamunovich, along with numerous nieces and nephews who brought joy to family gatherings.

In 2019, Chris embraced retirement with characteristic enthusiasm, relocating to Deephaven, Minnesota. He quickly became known as "Sailboat Guy," spending countless hours on Lake Minnetonka aboard his beloved Ensign 1422 sailboat named "Gusto". This new chapter allowed him to indulge his lifelong passions: sailing the pristine waters of one of Minnesota's most beautiful lakes, admiring fine fast automobiles, and occasionally pursuing bass fishing.

Chris's athletic pursuits never waned, even as he aged. His early love of wrestling and racquetball evolved into a serious commitment to distance running, culminating in the completion of three marathons. These achievements reflected his disciplined approach to life and his belief in pushing personal boundaries — embodying Roosevelt's ideal of striving valiantly regardless of the outcome.

On March 31, 2026, Chris passed away peacefully at his Deephaven home, surrounded by his beloved family. His death resulted from complications related to COPD, ending a life lived fully and purposefully. His memorial service on April 11, 2026, at Huber Funeral Home in Excelsior, was followed by a gathering at the Deephaven home where he had found such joy in his final years.

True to his character, Chris's family requested that in lieu of flowers, people share stories with his wife and daughters. This final request reflected his lifelong appreciation for human connection and the power of narrative to bind communities together. Chris Doman's legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched — from international business colleagues across six continents to students in Minnesota classrooms, from sailing companions on Lake Minnetonka to the family members who will forever treasure his memory.