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James Giles Obituary
Born in Inglewood, on September 26, 1932, Jim graduated from Loyola Marymount University in 1953, from Marquette Medical School in 1957, and completed his Orthopedic Residency at Johns Hopkins University in 1965. In between medical schoo his residency he served as a General Medical Officer in the US Air Force stationed at Ladd Air Force Base in Fairbanks, Alaska. In 1965 he moved his family to Oxnard, where he practiced medicine for the next 40 years.
Jim served as Chief of Surgery at St. John's Hospital form 1977-78, Director of Rehab Services from 1978-80, Medical Director Spina Bifida Clinic of Ventura County form 1975-90, and Attending Physicians, CCS Ventura Cerebral Palsy Clinic from 1967-00.
Jim played football all through college and medical school and it was during his time in Wisconsin that he became a life-long Green Bay Packers fan. He was such a fan of football that during the 1970's he served as Team Doctor for the Santa Clara High School football team. He was a member of the International People to People Pain Management Delegation that went to Australia in 1983, Yugoslavia in 1984, and Moscow in 1985. He made medical history when he performed knee surgery on Olympic Shot Putter Dave Laut, reattaching the tendons in both knees in one surgery. As a doctor, Jim did not believe that surgery was always the answer and he took great pride in making physical therapy and rehabilitation an important part of treatment. he spent his last days on the "4th floor" in the Rehabilitation Unit at St. John's Hospital- a unit that he helped develop when the hospital was still located on F street.
Jim was preceded in death by his first wife, Jacqueline, and his parents, James and Reva. He is survived by his brother Roger, wife Kathy, children Michael (Mary), Leanne Colvin (Scott), Christopher (Ruth), Matthew (Heide), Colleen, his step -children Greg Johnson and Gigi Wilson (Kevin) and his grandchildren Sarah Colvin, Daniel Colvin, Jamison Giles, Laken Giles, Merrick Giles, and Madison Wilson. As the best father, grandfather, husband, and stepfather he will be forever loved and missed.
A memorial service is planned for Sunday, December 5, at 3:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 850 Ivywood Drive in Oxnard. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to the Amyloidosis Foundation, 7151 N. Main St., Suite 2, Clarkston, MI 48346
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Giles
Linda Melancon
December 8, 2010
Dear Kathy and Family, I am so fortunate to have known Jim. He took care of my mother during her last illness. He was so kind and gentle with her. May the memories you have keep you safe and warm until we all meet again. Kathy I remember so well the time we spent working together so long ago. I would love to talk with you when you are able. May God hold you and yours in the palm of His hand.
Al Levy
December 4, 2010
I enjoyed working with Dr. Giles at the old hospital in the 1970s and 1980s. He was our "great" medical rehab director and friend. My wife and I will miss him...he was our favorite.
Sincerely Al Levy MS OTR/L
December 4, 2010
Years ago before Heide and Matt were married,we were at Dr. Giles home. I remember looking at him and noticing the huge smile on his face and how his eyes looked every time one of his kids said anything. You could see the love he had for his children simply by the look on his face. I saw that same expression of love on the faces of his children when they spoke to him or about him. This love shared between this father and his children was a great gift and not to be taken lightly. Being a great father is not always the case but in Dr. Giles life it was obvious. This speaks volumes of the kind of person he was.
Shondel Thieverge
December 3, 2010
Kathy,
My heart goes out to you and your family during your time of loss. I will always be greatful for the wonderful doctor he was that saved my arm. And you the most caring nurse I ever met. You both were there for me when I broke my arm and was laid up in the peds ward at the age of 12. You introduced me to my best friend, Johnny Munoz. You and Dr. Giles always made sure I had beautiful flowers since I was stuck in bed. I will alway remember you both.
Love and prayers,
Shondel Newcomb-Thieverge
December 3, 2010
Years ago when Heide and Matt were dating and we were at the Giles house for some occasion and I remember the love I saw between a man and his children; it was very touching. To be loved by your father is a wonderful gift and not to be taken lightly and the love of the children for their father is the gift overwhelmingly returned. We are so saddened by your loss, Wayne and Novita Donovan, Virginia
Jim and Oneca Shaw
December 3, 2010
We will always remember Jim’s smile and contagious laughter. He was always upbeat and encouraging; therefore always enjoyable to be with. His loving kindness and gracious manner was apparent to everyone. We are very thankful that Matt, our son-in-law, was raised by such a loving man.
December 2, 2010
Dear Kathy,
My heart goes out to you at this horrible time. I know how much you and Jim loved one another. My thoughts and prayers are with you, always.
Love,
Karen J.
Ron and April Jackson
December 2, 2010
Our deepest condolences to the Giles family.
December 2, 2010
Dear Giles Family,
Dr Giles was my doctor 1969-1975 at the CCS clinic in Simi Valley.He was always very caring and encouraging to me.I am sorry for your loss and you are in my prayers.
Darlene Galluzzo, Simi Valley CA
Dad and Mom
December 2, 2010
Welcome home, Son. You were an angel sent to Earth who served your time well, but it really was your well-deserved moment to retire to Heaven this time around. No more phases of semi-retirement, reconsidered retirement, or aborted retirement. We know how much you enjoyed your work as much as your family, but, really, now, you deserve it. You deserve a vacation. Remember that RV trip that you always wanted to take from state-to-state during your retirement but managed to put off year after year? Whatever happened to that RV, anyway? Well, in any case, now you can take that trip. Dad and I have the roadmaps, and the compass is ready. You were always the happy, playful sort, even as a grown man, and you were truly a blessing for everyone to have around while there on Earth. We are so well aware of how honored and proud you made everyone feel in knowing you, but your dad and I have missed you for years now. We are so happy to have you here with us again, and we sincerely welcome the glorious day when all those on Earth with whom you parted earn their wings to join us in Heaven's eternal celebration. Your dad and I love you, Jim, and we always will. Everyone loves you.
Kevin Marble
December 2, 2010
That's a great photo and that's how i remember him - smiling, encouraging and helping. It is my pleasure in knowing him and sharing a small segment in time. We remain as one big extended swimming family.
December 2, 2010
Dear Giles family I am sorry for your lost, we must let our Creator hold you close to His heart, blessings.
Toni Contreras Penfield MTU
Jurhee Fitzibbons
December 1, 2010
So sorry to learn of your father's death.We will have masses said for him.
December 1, 2010
Dear Kathy, Leanne, Mike,and siblings: our sincerest condolences. Dr Giles was one of the "great" ones! He cared for me since 1969 and my mother, Nadyne, since 1970 and was the best ortho out there. Our sincerest condolences, Pat & Mary Ann Withers
Elaine Rieger
December 1, 2010
Dear Kathy and family. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I worked at the "OLD" St John's and knew him then. he was always a joy to work with and was always pleasant and happy as well as being a good physician. I know he will be missed. May you find comfort in happy memories. Elaine J. Rieger, RN and husband, Bernhard.
Charlene Dickerson
December 1, 2010
Kathy, I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Giles passing. I so enjoyed working with him. I was so thankful when he came to the office after hours when Sam cut her finger on a Christmas bulb and him stitching it. I still remember him stirring his mulled cider at the staff Christmas parties. He was so caring, especially with his CCS kids. I remember him dealing with little Danielle in the office. I haven't seen him or you since Dr. Fussell's retirement party. I still remember Dr. Fussell telling someone the if he had to have knee surgery he would want Dr. Giles to do it. I just saw Junette at the store about a week ago and spoke of the two of you. Please take care of yourself.
Greg Bernacchi
December 1, 2010
Rest in Peace
Kelvin Loh
November 30, 2010
Kathy, please accept my condolence in this sad time. I have a lot of good memories about James, and I will miss him dearly. I admire his courage and his dedication to come to work at St. Johns while he was not well. I admire his wisdom in discerning the good and the not so good candidates that apply for membership in our medical staff when he was chairman of the credential committee. I count it a blessing to have the opportunity to know him and work beside him.
Tanya Beckham
November 30, 2010
Dr. Giles was so fun to work with, always smiling, and easygoing. I would see him in hall and say where have you been, we've been waiting (when he wasn't even schedule with us), and he'd laugh and ask which one of us was going to volunteer to be the patient? He loved his work and truly cared for his patients. My prayers go out to Kathy and the rest of the family.
Christine Flores Jacobe
November 30, 2010
Leanne and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I have wonderful memories of your parents and family. May god bless you.
PATRICIA BEHRENS
November 30, 2010
KATHY YOU AND JIM WILL ALWAYS BE PART OF OUR FAMILY FOR SO MANY REASONS . MY PRAYERS ARE WITH IN THIS HARD TIME .
Amy Messinger
November 30, 2010
I can still see Dr. Giles sitting in the dunk tank at the Santa Clara Carnival - laughing and making everyone laugh along with him. He was a genuine and kind man, who will forever be fondly remembered by me and my mom, Rosemary, who had the utmost respect for him as a doctor and friend. Kathy, our love to you. You are in our prayers. Matt & family, I wish we were closer to pay our respects on Sunday. The Messinger family will be thinking of you!
Carlene Foster
November 30, 2010
Heide& Matt my prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Carlene Foster Killeen Tx.
Kasi Hays
November 30, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with the Giles family. May God comfort and guide you in these hard times.
Brian Kearns
November 30, 2010
I am so saddened with the passing of Dr. Giles. My family's prayers are with you during this sad time.
Theresa Hart
November 30, 2010
There will be an empty chair at the holiday table this year, but it will be filled with loving memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cynthia Bowers
November 30, 2010
My heart mourns Dr. Giles, full of wisdom, gentle & kind. I have an arm & a proud scar. My son who hikes, baby shoe braces. My life is truly blessed because of Dr. Giles. Most sincere condolences to Mrs. Giles & Family.
Baratte Family
November 30, 2010
So sorry to hear of your loss. Your family is in our thougths and prayers at this difficult time. Best, The Baratte Family
Deanne Holverson- Ball & Family
November 30, 2010
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Dallas & Pat Holverson
November 30, 2010
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Kerry Hellstrom
November 30, 2010
My heart goes out to you Kathy and you family, we all have lost a very wonderful man, as you know he was my surgeon many many times over, and now I have a pain in my heart. I love you Dr. Giles and I will never forget you.
All my love,
Kerry Hellstrom
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