LOCATION

Houston, Texas

James D. Cox
1938-2018
One of the world's foremost radiation oncologists, James D. Cox died on Tuesday August 14, a month after celebrating his 80th birthday. A leader at MD Anderson Cancer Center for nearly thirty years, Jim was internationally acclaimed for his contributions to the treatment of cancer.
Born in Ohio, Jim attended Kenyon College, where he played football and graduated magna cum laude. At the University of Rochester School of Medicine, he met his first wife, Christa, while practicing classical piano at a neighboring school. Jim was mentored by pioneering radiation oncologist Juan del Regato at the Penrose Cancer Hospital in Colorado Springs. A fellowship at the renowned Institut Gustave Roussy in Paris inspired Jim's abiding passion for France, medieval history, and wine. These years saw the birth of his three children: Valerie, Christoph, and Lara.
Jim served in the U.S. Army at Walter Reed before beginning his academic career at Georgetown University. In 1973, he was appointed founding director of the Cancer Center at the Medical College of Wisconsin, where he met his second wife, the radiation oncologist Ritsuko Komaki. While chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, he was recruited to MD Anderson Cancer Center in 1988 as Professor of Radiation Oncology, Physician-in-Chief, and Vice President of Patient Care, a position he held until 1992. From 1995 until his retirement in 2014, he served as Head of the Division and Chairman of Radiation Oncology and led the launch of the Proton Therapy Center, which opened in 2006.
Jim traveled widely for work and pleasure, most often to France and Japan, and to visit his grandchildren. He was a committed Democrat and an avid sports fan. Jim treasured his liberal arts education and served as a trustee at his alma mater, Kenyon College, which, in 2014, dedicated its new medical and counseling center in his honor. He is survived by his wife Ritsuko, son Christoph, daughter Lara, and five grandchildren: Lukas, Tristan, Livia, Aengus, and Pixie.
A memorial service will be held at the Bradshaw Carter Memorial & Funeral Service, 1734 West Alabama St., Houston, TX 77098 on Sunday, August 19, 2018 from two o'clock until five o'clock in the afternoon with the service at three o'clock. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the James D. Cox Lectureship, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486. Donations can also be made online through the MD Anderson donation page by specifying the James D. Cox Lectureship at gifts.mdanderson.org.

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Dr. Komaki,
I just learned today, about the loss of your husband. I send my deepest condolences to you.

Kindest regards,

Jan Perez

August 14, 2019 | Houston, TX

Very moved to learn his death. We will always remember him.

Rodrigo and Gladys Arriagada

Rodrigo Arriagada

October 14, 2018 | Paris. France.

I grew up with Jim Cox, our friendship beginning in kindergarten. Jim was a heart-friend, a kind and considerate gentleman as he matured in junior high and high school. We were just simply good friends, respecting one another's dreams for the future. My husband and I enjoyed several years in close proximity with the Coxes as Colorado residents when Jim was at Penrose Hospital. When Jim and Christa and family left Colorado, our contact ceased. I saw Jim, after his marriage to Ritsuko,...

Patricia Brunner

October 01, 2018 | Longmont, CO

Ritsuko,

I was SO sorry to learn of Jim's passing. I really enjoyed working with him during my years at ACR. I also fondly remember when a group of us visited Chartres (spelling?) after an ARS annual meeting. My prayers are truly with you.

Suzanne Bohn Richardson

September 18, 2018

Dear Ritzuko

Please accept my sincere condolences during this time of sorry. I have known Dr Cox for over 30 years and Jim will be greatly missed by many. It was a pleasure to know Jim and we can only celebrate all that he has done for the Radiation Oncology community. A very sad time indeed!

My very best wishes,

Peter J Gaccione
Elekta

Peter Gaccione

August 24, 2018 | Atlanta, GA

Dear Ritsuko:

Please accept my sincere condolences. I only just learned today of Jim's passing. The world of oncology has lost one of its giants. He was always balanced and forward-thinking, generous and patient with his time and attention. He will be deeply missed. May his memory be for a blessing!

Fondly,

Corey Langer
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA

Corey Langer

August 22, 2018 | Philadelphia, PA

I am a radiation oncologist who first met Dr. Cox when he was my oral examiner in 1981 in Louisville, Kentucky. Even under those challenging circumstances of being examined one on one by a giant in the field, it was obvious to me that he was a true gentleman. I passed his portion of the exam and found the experience educational and informative despite the usual stress. I spoke with him later that year at an ASTRO meeting and we discussed the questions that he asked me. He was a great...

Jerome Spunberg

August 21, 2018 | Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Dear Dr. Cox,

We will miss you!!!

While I saw how much you dedication to the MD Anderson Cancer Center, I also witnessed your passion to AAWR, SANTRO, China and the world. Your teaching the teachers effort has been highly appreciated by many, your active support to SANTRO inaugural symposium is being remembered. I heartedly appreciate your support and guidance of my efforts on AAWR, ASTRO and SANTRO.
May you rest in heaven with Peace and satisfication.

Spring Kong

August 19, 2018

Please accept my deep condolences for the loss of your loved one. May God give you the strength and power to cope with the loss and memories that will bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. Isaiah 40:29

August 19, 2018

James Cox

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