JAMES, Richard N. B.A. M.D.C.M
1931—2023
Amherstview's first doctor, and founder of the Amherstview Medical Center.
Dr. Richard Norris James passed away peacefully at the Kingston Health Science Centre on Dec. 19, 2023, in his 93rd year, surrounded by the love of his family.
Survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Sally (nee Smith), loving father of sons Richard (Mary Ellen) and the late Sean, and daughters Nancy (Dale), Elizabeth (Ed) and Margaret (Steve). Proud grandfather of Ryan (Sam), Andrew, Richard, Theresa (Stewart), Luke, Joseph, Hannah (Nathan) and Juliet (Michael), and great-grandfather of Charlie, Georgia and the late Elora. Predeceased by parents Esther and Michael, his sister Joan Kircher (the late Bob) and his brother Michael (Lona).
Dr. James maintained a busy general practice for 40 years and continued in a consulting role for another 10 years. He provided a type of dedicated service to his patients that is rarely duplicated today. He did minor surgery, obstetrics, made house calls at all hours and was available day and night seven days a week. Besides his general practice, he was an assistant professor in the Department of Family Medicine at Queens; a plant physician for Millhaven Fibres for 40 years, as well as consultant for a number of smaller industries: medical consultant for Empire Life; inspector for the College of Physicians and Surgeons; and the first medical director at Helen Henderson Care Centre. Altogether, he practised medicine for 50 years. He was one of the chief architects of the establishment of the Department of Family Medicine at Queens.
While studying at Queens, he was a member of the Queens Comets and Golden Gaels Football Team (1949-1954) and a member of the Fort Henry Guard.
He was active in his church and was instrumental in the founding of Blessed Sacrament Parish, including the building of the church in Amherstview.
He enjoyed tennis, badminton, fishing and bridge and "excelled in none of them". He loved his family and profession, in that order.
Memorial donations, for those wishing, may be made to Alzheimer's Society and Doctors without Borders. An online book of condolences is available on the Robert J. Reid & Sons Funeral Home website.