Dr. James Graham Little passed away peacefully at Belmont Long Term Care on Feb. 21, 2023.
Son to Jack and Florence (McCready) Little. Dr. Little was born Sept. 18, 1929, in Verdun, Que. (a suburb of Montreal). Devoted to and cherished by Barbara (nee Hennessy) for 43 years in the home they shared in Belleville, Ont. Father to Karin (Richard) Belanger, Brock (Robyn) Little, and step-father to Nicole (Brent) Gretzky. Predeceased by son, Christopher (2020). Grandfather to Christopher (Anne) Belanger, David (Peggy) Belanger, Caroline Belanger, Luke Gretzky (Claudia Landry), Avery Gretzky (Brady Wells), Mila Gretzky, Colby Little and Logan Hambler. Great grandfather to Charlotte and Olivier Belanger. Brother-in-law to Sandra (Harold) Townsend, Sue Hennessy (late Brian), Robert Hennessy, Doug Hennessy (Heather Peterson) and Murray (Daryll) Hennessy. Loved by many nieces and nephews. Also predeceased by June McCann (1974).
Dr. Little earned his medical degree in 1954. From 1959-1962 he attended Harvard University and the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, studying advanced ophthalmology teaching and ocular pathology. Attending Bellevue Hospital in New York City, the Washington, D.C. Pediatric Hospital and the Iowa City Hospital studying pediatric ocular surgery, before returning to Montreal to practice. In 1964, he achieved both his Canadian fellowship in ophthalmology and his American Board of Ophthalmology fellowship. In 1965, in addition to his private practice, he lectured in ophthalmology at McGill University and taught ocular surgery at the Montreal General Hospital.
In 1974, as an only child with his parents having already retired to Belleville, Dr. Little, (as in so many aspects of his life) followed his heart and chose Belleville as the fortunate area to put down roots and set up shop. He practised for 24 years in Belleville before retiring at the age of 68 to sail around the world with his beloved Barbara.
Dr. Little loved exploring new countries and customs, and was as equally comfortable in a tuxedo as he was in a pair of overalls. He loved boating, wilderness camping, life at the farm in Brighton, and especially travelling. Adventurous, caring, generous, talented, and romantic with a quick wit, Dr. Little was truly a man's man and a gentle giant.
In lieu of flowers, please consider the charity of your choice.