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James Emch Obituary
Jim passed away peacefully with family by his side on October 11, 2015, at the age of 79. He was born in 1936 in North Dakota to Glenn and Irene Emch and spent his youth in the small but progressive town of Hettinger, ND. Having been born with a congenital heart defect, and being told by doctors nothing could be done to fix his problem, Jim put all his energy into school. He had excellent teachers and enjoyed learning. After graduating at the top of his class at Hettinger High School, he went on to earn an engineering degree at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in 1958. His first job was in Michigan in a large engineering firm and later in a sub-group designing an atomic power plant. Life was good and work was stimulating.
Draft notices from the military arrived and during a physical exam at the Detroit Armory, Jim met a young doctor who had just finished his cardiology training at the University of Minnesota. He said that doctors were now repairing VSD heart defects with a new cardiac bypass pump and technique. In 1959, Jim had open heart surgery at the University of Minnesota and his life changed forever. Being given a new healthy life, Jim was intrigued by the medical world and decided to pursue a career in medicine. He graduated from the 2 year program at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine in 1962 and then from the University of Washington School of Medicine in 1964. In 1963, Jim married Margaret O'Brien, a new graduate nurse working at University Hospital. Together they raised three beautiful children, lots of pets, and experienced many skiing, boating, and travel adventures.
Jim did his internship at Anker Hospital in St. Paul, MN. In 1965, the family returned to the NW where Jim entered a pathology residency at UW School of Medicine. He eventually returned to patient care and became board certified in both Family Medicine and Emergency Medicine. He taught at the new Physician Assistant/Medex Program as an associate professor at UW, and shortly thereafter was granted a two year leave of absence to help initiate the Medex program at Penn State University School of Medicine in Hershey, PA, 1973-74. The family returned to Seattle where Jim spent the next 30 years in Emergency Medicine, primarily in King County. He particularly enjoyed assisting with the evolution of Emergency Medicine as a board certified specialty. He also enjoyed working with the UW Support Group for families of children born with congenital heart disease.
Family was the most important thing to Jim and he enjoyed his children and grandchildren so much. We will all miss him and his joie de vivre! Jim is survived by his wife of 52 years, Margaret, daughter Michelle (Rich) of Los Angeles, son Christopher (Erin) Emch of Seattle, son John Emch of NYC, and grandchildren Elise, Brendan, Shane, and Caitlin. He is also survived by two sisters, Lola LaPorta of Denver, and Glenda (Per) Tefre of Bergen, Norway, sister-in-law Patricia Banks and brother-in-law John (Kathy) O'Brien of Syracuse, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Enid Schons. He leaves behind many friends in the Seattle area and his friends at Trilogy who made his life so much fun!
Our family wishes to thank Dr. Karen Stout and staff at UW Medicine Regional Heart Center for their excellent care of Jim throughout the last few years. A special thank you to Evergreen Hospice. Jim donated his body to the UW Willed Body Program for research in hopes of helping others with congenital heart disease. It was his desire to give back to medicine because medicine had enabled him to live such a remarkable and fulfilling life.
A private family celebration of life was held recently. Please consider a donation to UW Medicine in memory of Dr. James Emch. Donations can be made to UW Foundation, noting the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Fund, and mailed to UW Medicine Advancement, Attn: Gift Processing, Box 358045, Seattle, WA, 98195-8045.
Please sign Jim's online Guestbook at www.Legacy.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Emch
Sponsored by The Family.
Garvin Patrick
November 9, 2024
Hey m was a good friend and colleague
Tom McKay
October 12, 2021
Still miss you auld freend! But so many happy memories. I still have a wee dram in your honor.
John Upthegrove
November 9, 2020
Remembering Jim today brings a smile to our lips and renews a sadness in our hearts that he isn’t here to share your lives. We were all blessed to be his friend.
John and Cyndi Upthegrove
Tom McKy
November 9, 2020
Jimmy.....Its that time again. 5 years now & I still miss you being around. Don't do all the things we did together anymore but always about this time Sheila & I look back at some of the photo's with fond memories.
Every time we see a Miata, its funny but we still say Jim has one of them. I know we should say 'had' but old memories are like photo's - stuck in time.
I confess I forgot in October even although its my birthday month but its me thats late this time, it was always you! You know I have had to 'educate' all the newbie travelers in Trilogy about the "Jimmy Award". Still makes us laugh.
Rath De Ort Auld Freend
Tom & Sheila McKay
November 13, 2019
I still miss my Auld Freend. Every October I have a wee smile at some of the memories that come back.
Rath De Ort
Tom & Sheila
thomas mensing
November 9, 2019
Dear Margaret and family I got this reminder from facebook . I think of Jim often...always a good moment . In fact I told one of my Jim and Tom stories to day. He is well remembered in Montana. I pray everytng is well with you and yours
Donald Emch
January 8, 2016
Hello and condolences to all of Jim's family. I lived in Leith, ND when Jim was in Hettinger. We used to visit during the summer. I had a very nice visit with him in Lewistown, Mt. a few years ago at Nellie Emch Hauge's funeral.
He was a very moral and accomplished man.
Donald R. Emch
December 3, 2015
I was so fortunate to work and learn from Dr. Emch as a RN 2 years out of nursing school I started floating to the ED. There my emergency nursing career began. Dr. Emch had a wonderful sense of humor so I'd like to share this story and knowing him you will all appreciate this one.
The doctors call room was just above the ED, so when they had a chance to have a nap they went up there to lay down. There were nursing students there that morning doing vital signs on the patients. One of them knocked on the Dr. sleep room thinking it was a patient. Well Dr. Emch said come in. The nursing student approached the "patient" telling him she was going to take his blood pressure. "Oh no that's OK I'm the emergency room doctor." the student replied with a smile "and I'm Florence Nightengale". He returned to the ED laughing so hard and did feel a bit bad for the student. There have been so many wonderful memories for all of us from the Auburn Hospital ED family during his time spent with us.
So sorry for your family's loss.
Bunny Milam, RN
November 30, 2015
You will be missed, Jim. It was a treat to work with you. Loved your sense of humor. David Peterson
November 30, 2015
So very sorry for your loss. Dr. Emch was great to work with. He'll be missed.
Patricia risse
November 28, 2015
We are sorry for your loss. Jim was a wonderful man and will be missed by all of us.
With Love,
Sylvia Emch Cavallo & Family, LaRae Emch Richards & Family, Donna Emch Boettcher & Family, James H Emch & Family.
Jack and Linda Blondin
November 26, 2015
Margaret, Our hearts go out to you and your family. We hope that all the good memories will help you during this difficult time.
We had such a good time all the summers we boated with your family and the Magley family. Our children grew up together on the boats. We always felt safe having Dr. Jim with us. Every time Jack and I go out on the boat we remember things from our great summers together. Three boats tied together anchored at Sucia Island and other favorite coves. Happy hour with Johnny, Robbie and Heidi playing with the plastic squid in one boat. All the adults in the middle boat and Shelly, Chris, Megan, Christy and Heidi playing board games in the third boat. Good times at Roche Harbor. All 13 of us having our annual dinner in the attic room at Roche Harbor and watching the traditional retreat of the colors ceremony from the balcony at sunset. Captain Jim was a wonderful part of all our summers for many years. We will miss him as will all who knew him.
Love, Jack and Linda
Bill and Maureen Catton
November 25, 2015
Margaret we so much enjoyed being your neighbors at Trilogy. Jim was such a gentleman and more a true gentle man. We share your grief.
Bruce Gilbert
November 24, 2015
Thank you for sharing the wonderful story of Jim's life. I did not know Jim well but he had a way of connecting with you even in a brief conversation...an ability that is becoming increasingly rare in modern medicine. I can still hear his voice and it makes me smile.
Laura Garvin
November 23, 2015
I started working at Auburn Hospital in 1978. I was a single parent just out of LPN school. I worked in many departments but eventually landed in the Respiratory Department and had to go to the emergency room frequently. Dr Emch was always very kind to me. In my first years working I could not afford to put my daughter on my insurance and had the 24 hour school insurance which covered accidents. In order for my child to play sports she needed a sports exam and Jim did it free for me until I got on my feet financially. He loved to talk about my motorcycle riding and appreciated my efforts to set up an annual ride to get stuffed animals for the pediatric Emergency room patience. He was a great doctor and a good friend to many of us that worked with him.
Dick & Linda Recob
November 23, 2015
Jim was such a kind and caring man. He would always take time to stop and say hello if he saw us out front of our house as he was passing by in his sporty car. We at Trilogy will surely miss him.
In 2009 we were all together on a fabulous New Zealand and Australia trip. This great photo of Jim & Margaret was taken in Port Douglas just before heading home the next day. Jim's big smile says it all.
Stephen Anderson
November 23, 2015
More then a good man,
A great doctor, and a great human being.
I came out of a surgical residency, into Emergency Medicine, and Cascade Emergency Physicians. Jim told me that even though the rules at ACEP may not look like the College wanted me, all the people who made up ACEP wanted me. He invited me to my first ACEP meeting, and he told me I could lead.
Jim changed my life.
When my father came to live with me the last 5 years of his life, any time their paths crossed, Jim would sit and talk about the Dakotas with him. Some nights, for hours. My father's favorite mentor I ever had was Jim, because Jim and my father understood the importance of singular relationships, the spiritual power of friendship.
The world, MY world, is a far better place because Jim befriended me.
His spirit is in a better place now, but a part of it, a part of it I am very proud of, will always be in my heart.
Thank-you, and bless you Jim.
November 22, 2015
I am a High School Classmate of 1954 with Jim. Dr. Bob Seim told me at church today that Jim had passed away. My sincere condolences to his family. I spent most of my work life in a paramedical field here in Missoula and knew several of the doctors here that new Jim. I talked with another classmate from Hettinger tonight and I told her about Jim's passing and she knew a few friends that she would notify. Again, my sincere sympathy in your loss of a wonderful man. Janice Haag, Missoula, MT.
November 22, 2015
Jim's life was a beautiful story, so much to know about his journey. We are so fortunate here in Trilogy to have the opportunity to touch each other's lives in joy, travels, companionship and Jim especially touched ours with his friendly outgoingness. We always looked for him to walk around our block and say hello or smile. Don's heart condition was found in the service as well, he was still in boot camp and he was discharged with a medical leave. He had open heart surgery in Chicago in 1958. Don't we all look back on our trip to China together, in all 75 of us. Don remembers well Jim's friendly jesting with Iowa, our wonderful guide, trying to get him to open up about China policies. Fond remembrances!
Don and Barb Armes
Richanne Jennings
November 22, 2015
I was so sorry to hear about Dr Emch passing on. I worked with Dr Emch at ARMC as ER Secretary and he was always one of my favorite drs to work with. A quiet man and was always there to share a smile and help make my job a bit easier. Love to order the tests though! But if I was a patient there, would want him to be my doctor! Would definitely get to the bottom of my woes! RIP and hope the family can get closure and heal now. Thinking of all of you.
November 22, 2015
Dr. Emch played a very important part of our lives - 3 different times. First he was our primary care doctor at Group Health for a few years. As such we found him to be very thorough and caring. We ;hated to lose him as our doctor. Then my wife was in a serious auto accident - taken to Group Health hospital emergency at their main hospital in Seattle. Who was the doctor in the emergency? Dr. Jim, Emch. How blessed we felt. And the third time our mother/in-law was admitted a few years later to emergency at Auburn Hospital. Who was the doctor? Jim Emch. Ken and Lyn Bopetcher
Tom Mensing
November 21, 2015
Jim and I have been friends since before first grade. We have a bond will never be broken, even by his death. While we spent our adult lives many miles apart whenever we spoke on the phone or saw each other it was like we had seen each other only the day before. Oh my, the stories.....The horse, the goats, the tree in the front yard, the grasshopper heads he convinced me had eaten, the terrible winters and swimming in the Grand River.
The little town of Hettinger was the perfect place to grow. We had a great childhood, and yes, we have had a great adulthood. My heart has a great crack in it! I'll get used to his not being with us but he will always be near in my memory.
November 21, 2015
Dear Margaret and family of Jim Emch,
I am very sad to hear of the passing of Dr Emch. I am happy, though that he is at peace.
I have very fond memories of him,; I worked with him for almost 10 yrs in the ER. He was a wonderful mentor to me when I was fresh out of PA school, and he was patient and very very smart. He will always be "Dr Emch" to me; he had my complete respect and admiration.
He and Margaret also always had fabulous Halloween costumes, and he played a dang good pirate.
I can just see him loving his grandchildren, and visa versa.
What a great man!!
Sincerely,
Carol Fromhart
November 20, 2015
Margaret thank you so much for sharing his life story. He was an amazing person and glad I got to meet him. He touched many people's lives in so many positive ways
Patrick Garvin
November 20, 2015
Margaret and Family,
It has been a few years since I last talked with Jim. I remember him for many reasons but he was instrumental in my career in Emergency Medicine. He had a great heart and touched many lives during his lifetime. I am so sorry to hear of his passing but will remember him forever as a friend and physician.
Pat Garvin
November 20, 2015
Margaret and Family,
My sympathy goes out to you all on the recent death of Jim. Although I did not know him well, he had always impressed me as a great storyteller and lover of family, life and travel. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Cousin Joanne
Gary Clarke
November 19, 2015
Dear Margret and family, I am so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Jim and I roomed together in Budge Hall at the University of North Dakota and he was the best man at our wedding. One of my early memories of our time together was when he filled a ballon with water and placed it between my legs when I was napping. I was lucky enough to get out of bed without breaking it. Everyone in our class liked him and I am sure he will be remembered fondly.
November 19, 2015
Dear Margaret,
I just now received the very sad news of Jim's passing and how saddened I am as I was so fond of him. Our few times together were always memorable and I shall continue to cherish those lively visits. The two of you were delightful to be with and I will miss that dynamic team but when we do meet I am very sure that Jim will be an important part of our visit....he has left us but his marvelous spirit will remain. My condolences to you dear cousin and to the rest of your marvelous family. God bless all of you during this difficult time. Sending you prayers and lots of love . Elizabeth
sandra pollock
November 19, 2015
Margaret,
Fond memories of raising our children next door to each other.
Jim was always so gentle, kind and helpful. We always new he was there for all the bumps, bruises, and scrapes they all managed to get at one time or another.
Lots of great memories ( the sound of that cool green Porsche coming down the hill letting us all know the Doc was home. We will remember him with smiles.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Michelle, Chris, John and all your family.
Love and Blessings
Sandy Pollock
Mary Champagne
November 18, 2015
Margaret, I'm so sorry for your loss. I mostly saw Jim at our summer get togethers in Rye. What a nice man he was. I loved listening to the repartee between you two. It was hilarious. You are blessed to have had so many years together. Peace and love dear cousin, Mary
November 18, 2015
We have wonderful memories of many times over the last 10 years spent with Jim and Margaret., first as neighbors and then as great friends. Jim always brought his unique sense of humor to every occasion and we will truly miss that.
Our numerous trips together around the globe, our parties, our get togethers, and his support when we needed it are treasured memories.
We will always miss Jim, but the happy times together will always be with us.
To Margaret and Jim's family our condolences and wishes for comfort to you all in your knowledge of what a speciall person Jim was.
Sandy and David Rosenberg
November 17, 2015
Jim Emch....We remember fondly your smile, your laugh, your wit, your exuberant enthusiasm. But we only saw it during those Med School years and briefly at the reunion....your family and your patients enjoyed and appreciated it for the intervening 50 years!! You had a great ride, contibuted a lot, and were appreciated by many. Your memory will live on!
Our best to Margaret and your family!!
Mac Madenwald and Wendy Gray...Anacortes, WA
We knew he was Scottish.
Tom & Sheila McKay
November 16, 2015
Sheila & I will miss our travels with The Doc. The last 8+ years we considered it a privilege to be friends. We had so many happy times that will be our lasting memories. I'm not sad but I sure miss my auld freend!
Tom & Sheila
Greg Yurick
November 16, 2015
Though my time with him was too brief, I know Jim possessed the best human qualities! He really did enjoy life! He dedicated his time, energy, and knowledge to others and his family! He was always open to talking, teaching, and learning. I admire him for who he was and for his achievements. He earned our admiration. He will be missed. All our love is sent to Margaret and family! Rest in peace Jim.
November 16, 2015
Margaret and family,
Chuck and I were saddened by the notice of Jim's recent death. We had hoped to see you both again here in Tucson to enjoy a meal and some laughs.
Our fondest memory of Jim was sitting at the firepit with Jim telling joke after joke and laughing along with him. We were fortunate to have such wonderful neighbors at Trilogy.
Jim will be missed, our thoughts go out to Margaret and all the family.
Joanne and Chuck Sylvis
November 16, 2015
We were so saddened to hear of Jim's passing. We will always remember his great sense of humor and the fun we had with you. We especially enjoyed the time we shared at the UW 50 year class reunion. That was a very special time. With love, Mike and Elaine Phllips
November 15, 2015
To Margaret and family,
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Jim's death. We are left with a certain amount of survivor's guilt for not doing a better job of staying in touch. It seems our homes are simply too far apart.
Your family has always been special in our memories; from John and Jim coaching Little League baseball in Burien, sliding to an icy Thanksgiving dinner at the bottom of your hill, skiing together at Hyak, carpooling to Lakeside, the live chicken in payment for services to our brother-in-law, and John and Jim's storied trip down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon.
Please know that we have loved you for a long time, and accept our entire family's condolences for this enormous loss.
John and Cyndi Upthegrove
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