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Dr. James Herbert Gamrath

1927 - 2016

Dr.  James Herbert Gamrath obituary, 1927-2016, Seattle, WA

BORN

1927

DIED

2016

James Gamrath Obituary

Dr. James Herbert Gamrath

A kind, gentle man was called home by God on January 1st, 2016 while surrounded in love by family. He is deeply missed but lovingly remembered for his constant faith, dedication to family, the gift of listening and healing as a family physician for 40 years, and his kindness and generosity shared with so many throughout his life. Jim loved the out of doors. He led an active, full and adventurous life. His passions for the wilderness included hiking, skiing, sailing, horseback riding, hunting with his beloved dogs, and traveling to many parts of the world.

Jim was born March 20, 1927 to Herbert and Leda Gamrath in Detroit, Michigan. His sister Susan (Roland) was born when he was 12 years old. He was baptized and confirmed in the German Lutheran Church. He graduated from Wayne State University in 1948, then served in the Navy as a medic. He was accepted into medical school at Chicago School of Osteopathic Medicine, and received his M.D. from University of California, Irvine. He was a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the King County Medical Society. He loved taking care of many families in his practice, and he enjoyed the duties of a general practitioner, which in those days included pediatrics, obstetrics, sports medicine and even housecalls. He had a true gift for taking care of people.

He met Ellen Fackler on November 27, 1948, and that was the beginning of 68 years of wonderful, rich togetherness. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary last June with great joy. Jim is survived by his wife, Ellen, and 3 children David (Lisa), Barbara (David), and Linda (Tom), and five grandchildren: Claire, Carly, Abby, Jason, and Alicia. He always said his favorite part of any day was "being with the family" and nothing was more special than his grandchildren.

Jim and Ellen traveled to many parts of the world together, but one of their favorite places to visit was Holden Village, up Lake Chelan. Holden Village had a special place in his heart, and he had a special place at Holden. They first went to the Village in the early 60's and have managed at least one trip there nearly every year since. Many lifelong friendships were begun and kept there. A huge blessing, time and time again!

Jim and Ellen lived for 20 years in Renton in a friendly neighborhood surrounded by young families, then moved to Mercer Island for the next 30 years, where he and Ellen enjoyed many water activities and the beginning of retirement. For the past 6 years they have lived at Mirabella, a retirement community in South Lake Union. Even when times were rough and Jim needed a wheelchair to get around, there was much joy in trips to parks around the area, where he could be in nature and feel the breezes off the Lake or Puget Sound. Jim loved nature and God's wilderness! One of our favorite images is at the top of a mountain pass with Jim lifting up his arms to the refreshing breeze and exclaiming, "AIR!!!"

The past few years had their struggles, but Jim was able to find joy in every day, through Ellen's touch, a grandchild's visit or musical gift, a savory meal shared, a good, rich cup of coffee. So many simple pleasures were relished. As times got more challenging, the joys were more pronounced.

Jim loved Jesus and was willing to answer when God called him home to be with loved ones gone before, most dearly his sister Susan and other saints who predeceased him. His faith was steadfast and strong, and he was often the one reassuring us this past month with his quiet acceptance and grace. We celebrate his life and will miss him greatly.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 9th at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1215 Thomas St, Seattle, WA 98109 at 2:30 PM with reception following.

Memorials may be made to:

Lutheran World Relief

PO Box 17061

Baltimore, MD 21298-9832

LWR.org

Holden Village

HC 0 Box 2

Chelan, WA 98816-9769

Holdenvillage.org

Immanuel Lutheran Church

1215 Thomas St

Seattle, WA 98109

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times from Jan. 6 to Jan. 10, 2016.

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5 Entries

Kevin MAgraw

January 19, 2016

Man of integrity, Man of faith, Man of purpose and a Man who will surely be missed. Certain people have the ability to leave an indelible mark on your life and Dr. Gamrath was one of those people in my life.

Kevn Magraw

January 8, 2016

Dr. Gamrath saved our dad's life! When Dad's appendix burst, Dr. Gamrath's quick response and surgical expertise saved him from certain death due to peritonitis. He stood by our family as Dad fought the battle to survive. When I contracted a severe case of flu, he made several house calls (almost unheard of even in the 1960's) to administer medication to me, . He was a truly caring person, instilling complete confidence in his patients. We were blessed to know him.
Carolyn (Wienker) Wales

Denise Brown

January 7, 2016

Any time spent with Jim left me uplifted. He was so interesting and interested. His kind and generous nature will be missed.
Our condolences to Ellen and family.

Carol Kemery

January 6, 2016

Dr Gamrath was my Dr from the time I was 17 years old - 1959. He then became my Mothers Dr -Her name was Jessie Wilson. He delivered my first child Janell Simpson at Standring Hospital in 1962 and my second child Lisa Simpson in 1965 at Seattle General I believe it was called. Since then Lisa has passed away way too early from stage 4 Lung Cancer. She lived a miraculous 2 years after diagnosis. He was part of our family in our hearts and never failed to be there when I called for an appointment no matter how small a problem. I have a few touching stories - one of the best my daughter ate some berries from a tree. I drilled her pretty much to determine she actually ate them and then called Dr Gamrath. He was out of the office but called me right back. He described the tree in great detail and I said how do you know that was the tree? What it is? He answered dryly "I am looking right at one in my yard - it's loaded with red berries and they and they are a crabapple. Not to worry ". About 3 years ago I wrote him a letter and he responded within a week or so. I was thrilled that he wrote me -it was a warm and fuzzy feeling to hear he remembered me and my Mom. Unfortunately we had a house fire shortly thereafter and I do no longer have the letter. He was an important person in my life and I'm sure in many others lives too. He baptized my first child Janell the night she was born, was there during so many years of our lives as a family. I'm sure he is skiing or hiking up in a better place now with strong legs and body. We will remember him and send our thoughts to you the family he cherished during his life. Find strength in his memories !

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Jan

9

Memorial service

2:30 p.m.

Immanuel Lutheran Church

1215 Thomas St., Seattle, WA

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