James Warren Tupper M.D.

James Warren TUPPER, M.D. 4/20/1928 ~ 12/27/2011 James Warren Tupper, M.D., born April 20, 1928 in Billings, Montana, died in Seattle December 27, 2011 of complications following open-heart surgery. A strong, athletic man who thrived despite numerous accidents and injuries, Jim fought optimistically to recover from cardiac surgery with the same determination that characterized his approach to every other challenge life presented. He died peacefully, generously sharing his love with others to the end. Jim moved to Seattle with his parents, Warren Ernest and Ada Frances Tupper, at age two. He loved Seattle and spent his childhood playing in vacant lots behind Seattle Pacific University, skiing, and boating in the San Juans. An outstanding student, he played football and tennis at Queen Anne High School. Jim studied pre-medicine at the University of Washington (for which he retained a lifelong affection); he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, rowed three years on varsity crew, and met Sylvia Marie Nilsen, whom he married on June 6, 1953. Following his graduation from the University of Pennsylvania Medical School in 1953, he completed an internship at the University of Michigan and residency in orthopedics at the University of Washington. He served as a navy physician during the Korean War, both in the Pacific and stationed at Bremerton. Jim trained in Texas with the renowned spine surgery pioneer, Paul Harrington; following this personal mentorship, he returned to Seattle and specialized in scoliosis treatment and research, along with general spine and neck surgery. Hired by orthopedic surgeons Forest Flashman and John Stewart, Jim helped establish the Seattle practice that became Orthopedic Physician Associates. A successful surgeon and compassionate physician, Jim was president of the Scoliosis Research Society and respected internationally as a lecturer and teacher. Jim and Sylvia became the parents of five fortunate children. While medicine fascinated Jim, he was always most committed to his family, with whom he skied, waterskied, hiked, jogged, rowed, boated, sang, and engaged in a plethora of work projects. An avid athlete and outdoorsman, he was a founder of Skiers Inc. at Crystal Mountain and a member of the Ancient Skiers. He loved construction and crafting furniture and other wood-based objects. In collaboration with a contractor friend, he built the family home in Laurelhurst and much of a vacation home on Lake Goodwin. Following his retirement from medicine in 1986, he was continually engaged in projects for others, and especially enjoyed teaching his grandchildren how to use a chain saw and split wood. A committed member of University Congregational Church, Jim valued "honesty and integrity" above all else in human relations. Jim is survived by his wife Sylvia; children Brad, Christy, Kari, and Kathie; grandchildren Haley, Hillary, Helaina, Seth, Luke, Kaelyn, Lauren, William Seth, Anna, James, Shannon, and Kyle; and great grandchildren Josiah, Peter, and Devin. He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Margaret and Tom, and his son Carl. A service celebrating Jim's life will be held at University Congregational Church (4515 16th Ave NE, Seattle) on January 7th at 1 pm. Please wear bright clothing to the service in honor of Jim's vitality and love of color! In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the University of Washington College of Arts and Sciences, Planned Parenthood, or a charity of your choice.