GDJMSP (head Cointalk Moderator) aka Doug, has passed

Discussion in 'Coin Chat' started by geekpryde, Jul 7, 2026 at 10:18 AM.

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  1. geekpryde

    geekpryde Husband and Father Moderator

    Hi Everyone, I have some bad news to report. @GDJMSP (Doug) passed away in June.

    Peter received word from his family a few days ago. Doug was the head Cointalk Moderator and Administrator since just about the very beginning of CoinTalk. He was a steadfast presence on CoinTalk, especially in the heady days circa 2014 when the moderating part of his time here was near a full time job. Although it has calmed down on CoinTalk for the past few years, Doug spend usually at least an hour every morning here for decades, approving new users, moderating, and generally just keeping everything running smoothly and the spammers and bad guys out. His behind-the-scenes work is the reason our forum is the best, most consistent, and user friendly coin forum on the internet. Although he stopped collecting (owning) coins himself, he never waivered in his commitment to Peter and CoinTalk, nor did he ever stop helping members who asked.

    I was not expecting his passing. His absence was related to moving to his sisters house, and so it was my complete expectation that he would be back when I previously posted about his whereabouts.

    I was very close with Doug over the past ~14 years, we corresponded regularly outside of Cointalk via email, and sometimes phone calls. He was a mentor and a friend, and he mentored quite a few other people over the years, on all subjects. Life, relationships, career advice, parenting advice, home improvement, and everything else in between.

    I will be taking over admin duties for the time being, although I won't in any way be able to fill Doug's shoes.

    Doug will be missed.

    If you have any wishes, farewells, memories, or funny Doug stories, please share them below.

    Thank you,

    Matt
     
    geekpryde, Jul 7, 2026 at 10:18 AM
    #1
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  3. geekpryde

    geekpryde Husband and Father Moderator

    Here is Doug's likeness, in case you are a newer member and don't know what he looked like:

    Coin Yoda.jpg
     
    geekpryde, Jul 7, 2026 at 10:28 AM
    #2
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  4. Randy Abercrombie

    Randy Abercrombie Supporter! Supporter

    I just don't even have words.
     
    Randy Abercrombie, Jul 7, 2026 at 10:29 AM
    #3
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  5. kountryken

    kountryken Well-Known Member

    Another part that I "liked" when I actually don't like it. Just meant as acknowledging that I read it. I'm so sorry to hear about Doug's passing. I didn't know him personally, but you didn't tell the half of it as to his influence in CT. I corresponded with him several times and he was always kind and helped with what I was asking about. And, as you stated, in the early days, he had a job that I can't imagine anyone wanting. But, he stepped forward, handled it, and CT continued. He will be truly missed. Thank you for posting, and stepping up to help CT. Blessings, Kenneth
     
    kountryken, Jul 7, 2026 at 10:32 AM
    #4
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  6. Mat

    Mat Ancient Coincoholic

    No, this is terrible news. He was suppose to out live us all!

    Doug’s dedication and kindness truly made a lasting impact on CoinTalk and all of us who got to interact with him. His behind-the-scenes work and unwavering support helped create a welcoming and well-managed community that we all appreciated. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire us.

    My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.
     
    Mat, Jul 7, 2026 at 10:33 AM
    #5
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  7. longnine009

    longnine009 Darwin has to eat too. Supporter

    I first meet Doug on the CoinWorld forum before they closed it.

    R.I.P Pal you were the best.
     
    longnine009, Jul 7, 2026 at 10:37 AM
    #6
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  8. physics-fan3.14

    physics-fan3.14 You got any more of them.... prooflikes?

    Wow, this is a terrible surprise. So sorry to hear it... condolences to his family and friends.

    I only met him in person once, shared a table at an NGC luncheon at the FUN show. I had just purchased a DPL Seated Liberty Quarter and passed it over to him and his response was "No &$^% Way!"

    Anyone who's been on CoinTalk will remember that Doug and I had a fair few involved conversations. The wealth of knowledge he had was impressive. He will be sorely missed.
     
    physics-fan3.14, Jul 7, 2026 at 10:50 AM
    #7
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  9. SensibleSal66

    SensibleSal66 U.S Casual Collector / Error Collector

    I as I didn't know him, I'm sorry for his or anyone else's passing here on CoinTalk.
    RIP Doug. You'll surely be missed by all. :(
     
    SensibleSal66, Jul 7, 2026 at 10:58 AM
    #8
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  10. BuffaloHunter

    BuffaloHunter Short of a full herd Supporter

    :(

    Thank you, Matt, for delivering this horrible news, and for taking on admin duties.


    When I joined this forum just over 20 years ago, Doug was the first to welcome me ......

    upload_2026-7-7_10-17-42.png
     
    BuffaloHunter, Jul 7, 2026 at 11:19 AM
    #9
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  11. rte

    rte Well-Known Member

    RIP Doug,
    I never met him but Occasionally I'd get a PM for some infraction and I'd have to remember what site I was on o_O
     
    rte, Jul 7, 2026 at 11:29 AM
    #10
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  12. numist

    numist Member

    So sorry to hear of Dougs passing. My thoughts are with him and his family.
     
    numist, Jul 7, 2026 at 12:00 PM
    #11
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  13. ldhair

    ldhair Clean Supporter

    Doug was a good friend to have in this crazy hobby. We had some great times at the winter FUN Show each year. He always wore that same hat and you could spot him 50 yards away. I learned a lot from him. He was a great teacher.
    I already knew that bad news was on the way. It was not like him to not be on CT.

    RIP Doug. You will be missed.
     
    ldhair, Jul 7, 2026 at 12:04 PM
    #12
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  14. longnine009

    longnine009 Darwin has to eat too. Supporter

    If anyone wants something to remember Doug by, he was the co-designer for the WINS 15 year anniversary medal featuring a Pillar Dollar design. Or columnario as he liked to call them. You can probably find one on Ebay. The other designer was JD White. JD was site admin. for WINS. WINS=World Internet Numismatic Society. Last I heard, they were owned by Cointalk.
     
    longnine009, Jul 7, 2026 at 12:08 PM
    #13
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  15. CoinCorgi

    CoinCorgi Well, butter my butt and call me a biscuit!

    RIP Doug.

    I guess he got tired of gatekeeping for Peter here at CT and will now be at heaven's gate helping St. Peter keep the riffraff out.
     
    CoinCorgi, Jul 7, 2026 at 12:17 PM
    #14
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  16. Collecting Nut

    Collecting Nut Borderline Hoarder

    I’m so saddened to hear this. He assisted me several times and always solved my problems. I didn’t know him but he will be missed by many on CT. RIP Doug.
     
    Collecting Nut, Jul 7, 2026 at 12:22 PM
    #15
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  17. mlov43

    mlov43 주화 수집가

    I learned a lot from Doug here at CT. He was never at a loss for words or an opinion on the subjects that I inquired about. He explained and re-explained and added further detail to his answers if I still didn't understand something.

    I will miss him here.

    Let's remember his signature: "knowledge ..... share it"
     
    mlov43, Jul 7, 2026 at 12:23 PM
    #16
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  18. mpcusa

    mpcusa "Official C.T. TROLL SWEEPER"

    Just awful news :( Coin Talk will never be the same, R.I.P my friend.
     
    mpcusa, Jul 7, 2026 at 12:31 PM
    #17
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  19. Spark1951

    Spark1951 Accomplishment, not Activity

    Full of pre-conceived notions of what was coin collecting when I joined Coin Talk in Oct. 2017, Doug’s viewpoints ( and many others ) were instrumental in dispelling my wrong thinking and putting me on the right track. He helped me become a better collector.

    R.I.P. Doug. You will be missed terribly.
     
    Spark1951, Jul 7, 2026 at 12:31 PM
    #18
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  20. AdamL

    AdamL Well-Known Member

    He will be missed. I've been off and on the forums for 20 years, as life takes me away from active collecting but always brings me back. His steadfast presence helped many people, and helped the site run smoothly for many years. What a great asset he was to this community! Sending prayers to all family and friends of Doug.
     
    AdamL, Jul 7, 2026 at 12:38 PM
    #19
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  21. ToughCOINS

    ToughCOINS Dealer Member Moderator

    What a loss for us all . . . His silent service to the entire membership, individual mentoring to those with questions or in need of guidance, and the occasional playful banter . . . all will be missed.

    Farewell, Doug, and peace be with you.

    As for that likeness in the 2nd post, that's actually Yoda impersonating some guy he met a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away . . .
     
    ToughCOINS, Jul 7, 2026 at 12:38 PM
    #20
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