James, Dr. Lester H., 88, passed away Wednesday, April 29, 2015. Born in Girard, KS, Oct. 10, 1926, he was the son of Tom and Rosa James. After graduating high school in Arcadia, he served two years during World War II as a combat infantryman in France and Germany with the 143rd Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Army's 36th "Texas" Division. Before departing for the European theater, he married Helen M. Kellogg of Pittsburg, KS. After the War, he studied medicine at the Kansas City College of Osteopathy and Surgery and graduated in 1953. In 1955 he moved to Wichita and opened his office for family practice and surgery. He was one of the original 16 physicians who provided major financial support to the Wichita Osteopathic Hospital when it was originally built on Wichita's west side. He is preceded in death by his wife, parents and brother Thomas James. Survivors include a daughter, Patricia Sink (Vaughn) of Wichita, and son, Steven James (Kay) of Wichita; granddaughters, Jennifer Goza (Russ) of Wichita, and Tiffany McKinsey (Troy) of Wichita, grandsons Garrett and Cooper James both of Wichita, and his devoted cat, Sam. Memorials have been established with Kansas Humane Society and Friends of Felines, Wichita (fofks.org) (fofks.org). Services 10 a.m. Saturday, May 30 at Resthaven Mortuary.

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Published by Wichita Eagle from May 17 to May 27, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Lester James

14 Entries

Pat Sink

May 12, 2020

Still missing you very much Dad. It just doesn't seem possible that you have been gone 5 years. Love, Pat

Karen (Jones) Bryant GHS classmate

May 29, 2015

Steve, I'm sorry to hear about your dad.

May 27, 2015

Dr James was a special man. I worked for him at at the 21st clinic. We have had monthly talks since he retired. I enjoyed working and talking with him. He was a special man and I thought the world of him. I pray God blesses his family at this time. He will be missed. Joyce Jones

Barbara Sinnett

May 26, 2015

My parents and I were patients of Dr. James for more than thirty years. He actually delivered me back in 63! I loved his no nonsense attitude, great sense of humor and that wonderful compassion. You knew Dr. James would fix whatever might be ailing you. He believed in curing or resolving it instead of bandaiding it with meds. Such a good heart and special soul.

To his family may it help ease his passing by knowing he touched (and delivered!) so many others in his unique way. They don't make doctors that come close to this special man. Thank you for sharing him with us!

G Marc Caine

May 25, 2015

My earliest recollection of Dr. James--carrying me back to an exam room for a shot, my arms reaching back for my mother. His care for my family extended beyond medicine. As my dad was dying he gave such wise council to help care for his survivors. I knew he was loosing a good friend too. He cared for mom up till his retirement and his standard of care and friendship is a bar yet to be cleared.

We are greatful he was a part of our life. Dr. James is a topic of many a family holiday discussion conjuring wonderful memories. His legacy of care will be with us till the end of our days.

In our eyes, your dad was a great man.

Virginia Mercer

May 19, 2015

My husband and I were patients of Dr. James for over 30 years and in that time we became more friends than just doctor and patients. I've kept in touch by phone in the last several years and enjoyed hearing his stories about his family and Sam.

Vaughn Sink

May 17, 2015

It's tough to say good-bye to someone who has been such a big part of our family's life for so many years, Doc. You've patched us up when we were injured; saved us from walking into a rattlesnake; you were always available for a late night diagnosis; or simply there if we needed to pour our hearts out. We loved and admired you. We are proud of your medical career that spanned more than half a century. And just as proud of your military service in World War II where you were awarded the Bronze Star Medal for valor in combat. And we are especially proud of your daughter, Patty, who watched over you with such loving care. Rest in peace knowing we'll take good care of Sam for you.

Bob Massey

May 17, 2015

Dr. James was my doctor for many years. Was always able to fix me up. He was a good & compassionate Doctor. Prayers & blessings to his family.

Nelson Kress

May 17, 2015

Rest in peace, Doc. You were the best doctor I ever had. You treated me my whole life and I'm walking, because of your diagnosis. It's been a great pleasure knowing you. Condolences to your family.

Diana Mericle

May 17, 2015

Dr. James was the greatest Dr. i have ever known. Our family loved him. He will be missed

Jenni Goza

May 13, 2015

Papa missing you more than words! So many of my life's memories are of you. Remember birthday lunches at Felipe's and trips to the Sweetbriar jewelry store for my birthday ring. Thankful for every minute with you!! You had a full life and I hope to be able to say the same. Oh...about that 52 card pick-up trick... :) Love you to pieces!! Your JJ

May 13, 2015

Papa I love and miss you greatly. You were such an important part of my life. Your granddaughter,

Tiff

Pat Sink

May 12, 2015

Dad I love you very much. I am going to miss you more than words can express. Your daughter--Pat

Sherri Stevens

May 11, 2015

Finding the words to say how much Dr. James meant to us is really difficult. Not only was he the long time family physician to my Parents Mabel and Melvin Owens but myself as well. I can not express enough gratitude for the care he took of our family but his friendship as well. After he retired we would send him cards with pictures of my Grandchildren and he would always call to get an update on the whole family. God now holds him in the palm of his hand and we have another Angel. To the family you have our deepest sympathy and prayers. He will be greatly missed.

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