James Wesley Clower Jr.

Another of the Greatest Generation has left this world. James Wesley Clower, Jr., died quietly Sunday, February 15, 2009 at his residence in St. Augustine at the age of 93. He was born in Atlanta, Georgia and spent his high school years in rural Georgia where he developed the drive and grit that would see him through the Great Depression, an undergraduate degree from Emory University and an M.D. from the Medical College of Georgia in 1940. He moved initially to Chattanooga, TN for his internship at Baroness Erlanger Hospital. It was there that he met a pretty nurse, Anna "Boots" Welch, who became his wife of 67 years. Jim and Boots married January 1, 1942 when he was a resident in Eyes, Ears, Nose and Throat at Duke University. Following Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the Navy and was posted to the Pacific where he applied his skills as a physician and surgeon on a hospital ship in the Philippines until the war ended. After completion of his residency training, Jim, Boots and their young first son made their way to Daytona Beach, Florida where he began an Ophthalmology practice in 1949. Jim practiced the art and science of medicine with the skill and compassion that would touch the lives of many over a career that ended with his retirement at the age of 83. He was a leader in the community and had the respect and admiration of his peers on local, state and national levels. He was the past-president of the Florida Society of Ophthalmology and served on its board of trustees, as well as, specialty panels for the Children's Medical Services, the Division of Blind Services and the Florida Rehabilitation Association. He received a citation for meritorious service by the President's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped. He was a life member of the AMA, American College of Surgeons, the Southern Medical Association and the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He served as a clinical professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Florida College of Medicine. The Florida Society of Ophthalmology honored him with and annual award in his name in recognition of humanitarian service in his field. The America Academy of Ophthalmology honored his national stature in the field in 1988. He served as Chief of Staff at Halifax Medical Center and was one of the longest serving staff members of that facility. He had the honor of being Chief of Staff for two terms. These are but a few of the highlights of a long and distinguished career. He will be missed by the many patients whose lives he touched, by his colleagues and members of the medical community and the Daytona Beach community he served so faithfully and with such distinction. Jim was a world traveler and an avid citrus grower. He was a former member of First Presbyterian Church of Daytona where he served as a deacon, the Halifax River Yacht Club and Oceanside Country Club. He enjoyed fishing and will be remembered by his close friends and family for his sense of humor and his mediocre game of golf. Jim is survived by his devoted wife, Anna "Boots" Clower; sons, James (Jim) W. Clower III (wife Kathy) and David M. (Mike) Clower (wife Judy); granddaughters, Shane Sager, Jaad McElroy and Haley Clower; grandson, Jamison Clower; step-granddaughter, Heather Bree; and great-grandsons, Elliott and Teyzin. The family wishes to thank the staff of Glenmoor Retirement Community in St. Augustine for their expert care and loving attention. A memorial celebration of his life will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Daytona, 620 Grandview Ave., Daytona Beach, Florida on Saturday, February 28th at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Halifax Medical Center Foundation, First Presbyterian Church of Daytona or the charity of your choice.