GENEVA – James C. Pritchard, 86, died peacefully on Saturday, December 8th at Good Samaritan Hospital in the loving embrace of his family, of injuries sustained in an accident. Born in Pontiac, Illinois on January 19, 1932, Jim was the elder son of Marion and Iris (Sullivan) Pritchard. Jim was revered as a medical doctor for his professionalism and compassion and in his personal life for his kind and generous spirit. He was also well known for his avocation as an accomplished classical pianist, performing with local symphony orchestras and at Chicago-area concerts. He received a BS degree from the University of Illinois in 1954, majoring in Chemistry and Zoology, and a medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in 1958, where he was elected to the Alpha Omega Honor Medical Society (AOA). Following medical school, Jim interned at DC General Hospital, Washington DC, and then completed a Pathology Residency at the University of Illinois Research Hospital in Chicago in 1963. Jim served as the Chief Pathologist and Director of Laboratories of Delnor-Community Hospitals from 1963 until his retirement in 2002. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the University of Illinois Alumni Association, past President of the University of Illinois Medical Alumni Association, former Clinical Associate Professor of the University of Illinois College of Medicine and established the Pritchard Medical Student Scholarship at the University of Illinois. Jim had a passion for travel that took him to 80 countries and all seven continents, from the Silk Road in Asia to the slot canyons in Southern Utah. He especially enjoyed taking his family and grandchildren on adventures throughout the world. He was a long-time member of the Geneva Golf Club, and The Union League Club, The Arts Club and The Casino in Chicago. Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Bonnie Jensen Pritchard; three children, Thomas (Michelle) Pritchard, Brett (Toni) Pritchard and Susan (Robert) Bitman; and six grandchildren, Leonore Pritchard, Conrad, Olivia and Alden Pritchard, and Peter and Isabel Bitman. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on December 27, 2018, at the Geneva Golf Club, 831 South Street, Geneva at 5:00 P.M. Donations in memory of Jim may be made to the Pritchard Medical Student Scholarship at the University of Illinois #773186. To leave an online condolence for the family or for information about making a donation, visit the Funeral Homes obituary page at www.yursfuneralhomes.com.

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Dec. 11, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for James Pritchard

23 Entries

lety Ramirez

December 18, 2024

we keep to Mr Jim's in our hearts and the nice piano music he just to play it was a pleasure to listen him God bless his family

December 4, 2019

I remember Jim's love of music even at the time that he was busy learning to be a pathologist. It impressed me to understand the depth of his intellect And broad understanding of the world. Everyone misses him.
Irvina

Mike and Jan Fritsch

December 3, 2019

Bonnie and family, Mike and I want you all to know how much we also miss Jim. He was a kind, loving man. Please know that you are all in our thoughts.

June 28, 2019

My name is Marilyn(Erwin)Holt. I was a year behind Jim in High School in Pontiac, Illinois, and attended the University of Illinois during three of the same years Jim was attending.
Jim was my accompanist during those high schools year for all the singing performances I gave. He had a photographic mind, and never used music when playing for me. He could play an entire program with no music before him. He was a joy to work with, due to his pleasant personality.
I grieve to hear of his death.

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December 27, 2018

Our deepest sympathy to Bonnie and the family. We will always carry happy and fond memories of Jim.
Irvina and Sherwyn Warren

Lili Gaubin

December 27, 2018

My deepest condolences to you and your children. So many fond memories of our travel together. Jim was a special and kind person. Lili Gaubin

Donald Immke

Sent Flowers

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Agnes Lochmann

December 15, 2018

Dr. Pritchard was all that a doctor should be. He was very easy to talk to, and always approachable, and an interesting fellow board member, who loved music. He will be missed

Tom Peterson

December 14, 2018

Was so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Our condolences to Jim's family.

Tom and Barbara Peterson

December 13, 2018

Dear, Bonnie our deepest sympathy for you lost. Dr James will be always in our hearts as a very nice person that he was. We'll be missing his lovely piano music. He may Rest In Peace.
His friends
Lety and Jesus

mary hooper

December 13, 2018

To the family of Jim Pritchard,

I first met Dr. Pritchard when I was in Med Tech training at Community Hospital back in the 70's. He was a wonderful, kind, knowledgeable man who ran a top notch lab and med tech training program.
I was surprised to run into him many years later when I was playing in the American Grands. I didn't know he was such an accomplished pianist. I would also enjoy seeing him at the Delnor Health and Wellness Center. He always had a smile on his face and a kind greeting to me.

Carrie Jenkins Williams

December 12, 2018

Tom,
Love to you from far away and long ago.
~Carrie Jenkins Williams

James lmes

December 12, 2018

Dear Bonnie,
So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was a good classmate at U of I medical school and well liked.
Our thoughts and sympathy go out to you and your
family at this difficult time.
Loving thoughts,
Jim & Joyce Elmes

December 12, 2018

Dear Bonnie,
So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Our thoughts and sympathy go out to you and your family at this very difficult time.
Warm thoughts are with you,
Jim and Joyce Elmes

December 12, 2018

Bonnie - I am so sorry for your loss. Mark and I are keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Cissy Mooney

Gerry Hubka

December 12, 2018

What sadness to learn of the passing of my friend. I was Dr. Pritchard's piano tuner since the 70's when I rebuilt his Steinway piano and he and Bonnie not only became my best customer but good friends as well. My deepest sympathies to the family.

December 11, 2018

So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was an inspiration to me musically and as a man!! Love and all positive thoughts to you and the family.
Much love,
Ben & Michele Oswalt

Craig Burgess

December 11, 2018

Mrs. Pritchard we are so sorry to learn of Dr. Jim's passing. We are thinking of, and praying for, all of you during this most difficult time.

Liz Stiffel

December 11, 2018

Dear Bonnie and family, I was so saddened to learn that Jim passed. Anything I can say or do at a time like this
will be of little comfort. You and your entire family have my deepest and
sincerest sympathy.
Much love, Liz Stiffel

Lisa Seifried

December 10, 2018

Dear Bonnie
, I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband, Jim. While I didn't know him, I'm sure he must have been a wonderful man because you married him. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
Lisa Seifried

December 10, 2018

To Bonnie and family,

We are so sorry for your loss! Jim was a kind, understand and jolly person. He went out of his way to be helpful to others.
He will be greatly missed by so many!

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