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James Marshall Obituary

Marshall, Dr. James H.

Age 80, of Alpine, NY passed away on Monday, December 29th in his beloved home after an extended illness. He was born on July 19, 1934 in Auburn, NY. He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Jane Elizabeth Brayton. He is predeceased by his parents, James Francis Marshall and Harriett Lucile Smith, his infant son, Nelson Charles Marshall and his sister, Patricia Porter Cairns. Also surviving are his six children; Anne (Elgene) Ward, Faith (Doug) Marshall-Bockoven, Naomi (Chuck) Zuckerman, Allison (Andrew) Hermann, Jamie (Nathan) Cooper and Matthew (Leticia) Marshall, and his eleven grandchildren; Sam and Emily Hoffman, Molly, Dan and Julia Zuckerman, Jonas and Lukas Hermann, Liberty and Kate Cooper, and Isabel and Liliana Marshall and many close cousins.



Inspired by a great-uncle who was a country doctor, Jim knew early on that he wanted to become a doctor, too. Jim graduated from The Hill School in Pottstown, PA in 1952, Cornell University in Ithaca, NY in 1956 (majoring in zoology), and Cornell Medical School in NYC in 1960. In 1962 he joined the US Army in Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX and there joined the 7th Special Forces as a Lieutenant. From Fort Bragg, NC he was sent to Ethiopia with the 6th Special Forces to train medical soldiers of Emperor Haile Selassie and was honored for his service by the Emperor himself. He left the army in 1964 as a Captain.



That year he entered his second year of residency at Kings County Hospital, NY and in 1968 he became Chief Resident in Plastic Surgery and completed the program in both general and plastic surgeries. He joined the Long Island Plastic Surgery Group in 1970 and left in 1972 to open his own practice in Elmira, NY on the first day of The Agnes flood of '72. Instead of seeing patients in his office, he was in a boat helping to rescue trapped residents.



Jim was always learning new techniques and procedures to improve his ability to provide the best possible outcome for his patients. He did this by studying surgical procedures, attending seminars all over the world, and even consulting other surgeons to discuss specific techniques. In 1980 he traveled to Royal Victoria Hospital in Melbourne, Australia and The Tokyo Metropolitan Hospital in Japan to enhance his skills in reconstructive microsurgery. Jim was a constant student; he always wanted to improve. In that same decade, Jim founded the Burn Unit at St. Joseph's Hospital with his partner, Dr. James Sonsire. He specialized in hand surgeries, cleft palates, birth and maxillofacial defects, burns, finger reattachments and cosmetic surgeries. By using his education and training to improve the life of every person he treated, Jim gave meaning and purpose to his own life.



In the operating room, Jim cultivated an environment of respect and camaraderie. His repertoire of jokes was legendary. He depended on the abilities and skills of the nurses with whom he worked. This mutual respect also included his loyal office staff.



While earning the Eagle Scout badge, Jim deepened his love of the outdoors. The Marshall family vacations were spent camping and hiking in the Catskills. He became a member of the Catskill 3500 Club where he climbed all 35 mountain peaks. He assisted his father-in-law, the late Charlie Brayton, in Charlie's quest to complete the 46 peaks in the Adirondacks and the 100 highest in New England. And, a major accomplishment was his hike up to the base camp of Mt. Everest in the Himalayas.



In 1999, after 27 years of practice, Jim retired to his cherished farm in Alpine, NY where he began the next chapter of his life as a nurseryman. At his Alpine Acres Nursery, he specialized in ornamental conifers and other exotic varieties. Jim always said that if he had not become a doctor he would have been a forester.



Up to the end, Jim remained a voracious reader of military histories, biographies, spy novels, the Middle Eastern conflicts, etc. He had such a brilliant, encyclopedic memory that he could discuss topics of any depth, with any person, at any time. His childhood interests in stamps inspired him to learn all he could about the world, its history and the people around him.



But first, and foremost, Jim was deeply connected to his immediate and extended family. He was the core, the rock, the go-to guy; his family and friends knew they could always talk to Jim to get his thoughtful counsel. He could create a connection with anyone - he truly understood people because he understood human nature. He touched the lives of many people because he was a doctor who fully believed he should follow the Hippocratic Oath.



Friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water Street, Elmira on Saturday, January 17, 2015, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Service, with military honors, will be at 4:00 p.m. Burial service will be at the family's convenience at a later time. If you wish to make a donation in Jim's honor, please consider CareFirst, Wounded Warrior Project, the Arnot Health Nursing Education Fund through the Arnot Health Foundation, Cornell Plantations or your favorite charity.



The Marshall Family sends a special thank-you to the caregivers, Debi, Selene, Rachel, Jessica and Heidi, who provided comfort and love during his final months.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Star-Gazette from Dec. 31, 2014 to Jan. 15, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for James Marshall

Not sure what to say?





Felicia Neville(Pollock)

December 28, 2023

Dr. Marshall, my big gentle bear! You were simply the best man! Your big hands performed more than 30 delicate surgeries on me! You are missed I love you RIP Love your Old Bean

Felicia Pollock

October 13, 2021

You were the best of the best!! Thank you for everything you have done for me!!! You were always my sunshine!! I love you from your old bean

Janice Frost

January 28, 2015

DR Marshall was such a blessing to me and my family .He lived over the hill from us .We had a house fire and in comes Dr Marshall with his hunting clothes on -Saved my daughters hands and fingers. Gave me wise advise on treating her as she was recovering .Tammie did go up to see him a few years ago to say Thank you !Great loss -Wonderful man !God Bless you in your time of loss -My thoughts are with you .

Donna Kelsey

January 22, 2015

To Jane and family.....I didn't know Dr. Marshall as a Dr. but as a man with character and awesome conversations with his father in law, Charles Brayton, whom I had the pleasure of knowing also...it was definitely a pleasure to have met both gentlemen....my prayers and condolences to the Marshall family.

David Webb

January 21, 2015

It was a privilege and a pleasure to have worked with Jim for 24 years, and to have enjoyed his friendship.He was a larger than life character who will always be fondly remembered and talked about by those lucky enough to have known him.He lived his life to the fullest measure.He was tireless in using his surgical skills and vast experience to help his patients.His wonderful personality with
his inimitable sense of humor and generosity of spirit improved the lives of everyone he knew.
My deep condolences to Jane and the family, I think I have a sense of how much he will be missed by you all.

Betty Chalk

January 19, 2015

Dear Jane & family, May all your great memories of Jim remain with you always. Jim was such a people person MAN. We have shared many of your celebrations and will cherish the wonderful times we had with you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you

Frank Spena, Jr.

January 17, 2015

My condolences to Dr. Marshall's family. I was too young to really know Dr. Marshall when he worked on my hand, and my memories of that time are limited, but I do remember thinking that he was very kind. I will always be grateful for the great job he did and feel fortunate to have had benefitted from his expertise. I'm certain he touched a lot of lives in a very positive way. God Bless...

Rev. Donald Hoff

January 17, 2015

In thanksguving, I am looking at my left hand injured in a table saw accident in 1982, and skillfully and careingly treated by this fine Dr.
Giving thanks to God for Dr. Marshall

Heather "The Feather"

January 16, 2015

It is with a truly heavy heart I learned of your loss. You were my surgeon, my mentor, my friend, my Big Bear. For 20 years I could always count on you, often in ways I could not and will never be able to count on others. Your dedication to the wellness of others, your profession, and nature continue to inspire me. You will be greatly missed every day.

Cathy stephens

January 16, 2015

I'm very sad however, we know where he is and will spread his love, joy and laughter to his old cronies. I worked with Dr. Marshall in the OR and burn unit at SJH...(when it went to Icu)...it was and will be forever a blessed time in my life...thank you for sharing him with us...

Tonya Miller

January 15, 2015

he will be greatly missed, so sorryfor the loss . he was a great doctor.

Cindy (Graves) and Gene Corbett

January 14, 2015

So sorry to hear of your loss. Condolences to the family. Though I haven't seen him in many years my memories of him have not dimmed.

Jacalyn Cutler

January 14, 2015

Dear Faith

How blessed you are to have had your wonderful dad for so many years. He was a special man and the past years were special ones with your dad in it.

I know you will miss your dad with your all your heart.

God bless to him, your family and to you, whose heart must be broken.
He is at peace and will be together with his little girl again

Jackie Cutler

Lisa Centurelli

January 14, 2015

To the entire family - having grown up with you all after you moved to Alpine, your Dad was always there to make us laugh and sing my 'theme song' whenever I would come to your house. He was a character... and a man of character! Lisa (Maine) Centurelli

Mary Lynn Fager

January 14, 2015

As Jamie Cooper's college housemate, I have great respect for Dr. Marshall. While I can't begin to describe the deep love Jamie has for her father I know that she is, and always has been, proud and honored to be her father's daughter. After reading about his many accomplishments, I have an even better understanding of why Jamie should be proud. What an amazing man!

My time with Dr. Marshall was spent amidst much laughter and fun. He seemed to enjoy our college hijinx almost as much as we did. I recall one night Jamie and I came home expecting a scolding. Dr. Marshall was awake in his library where Jamie and I confessed what we had done. Instead of a scolding he laughed and sent us off to bed.

I will keep this family in my thoughts and prayers as their love for each other and for Dr. Marshall carries them through the days, weeks, and months to come.

Bill Delaney

January 13, 2015

Jim Marshall had it all, Hill School Cornell undergrad (Zoology), Cornell Medical School (NYC), Military Paratrooper, MD, Airborne Captain, Bellvue, extensive practice in his specialties. With his father-in-law, Charles Brayton (Attorney) climbed a whole host of mountains, including base of Mt. Everest. Traveled world wide to continue his medical education and hone his considerable talents. His office building on East Water Street was one of the first in the New Elmira Plan. He was a stand-up guy who had great integrity. He joins Ralph, Art, Bud, et al from the "5 o'clock Club"....Bill Delaney

Margy Erskine

January 12, 2015

Jane, I am thinking of your whole family at this time and sending healing thoughts to you all. Lucy will be at Jim's memorial to represent the Erskines and celebrate his life.

Robert Cau

January 11, 2015

I wish to send my condolence to Dr. Marshall's family. I was a friend of Jane's parents. As I lived with their neighbors the Reeses.I have great respect for them all.Dr. Marshall operated on my Grandson,very successfully.God bless you all.

Autumn Raczkowski

January 9, 2015

I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of one of my favorite Surgeons in the world. I worked with him in Elmira at Arnot Ogden Hospital and he was a blast to be around and cared very much for his patient's and staff. He will be sorely missed.

Cheryl Sickler-Stratton

January 9, 2015

So sorry to hear of Dr Marshall's passing, he was a godsend to our family and was a real friend to the Sickler family, he will always be in our hearts.

January 9, 2015

My sincere condolences to the Marshall family. Dr. Marshall performed some plastic surgery magic on my father, many years ago. I didn't know him personally but he seemed like such a nice man and I've never heard anything negative when his name was mentioned. Thank you for sharing him with all of us; he will be missed.

patti Messina

January 8, 2015

Faith, Anne, and all of the Marshall family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the months ahead.

January 7, 2015

Dear Mrs. Marshall and family.
Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. Dr. Marshall was a wonderful man who greatly impacted our community for the better.
I have never heard his name mentioned without the greatest of admiration and gratitude that he and your family choose our area to live in. In 1972, my parents were thrilled that you were coming to the area. Little did we know, that Dr. Marshall would save our little sister's life, as well. God bless and please know he will be remembered and honored in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Amanda Beecher(Welliver) Eubanks

Kym Becraft

January 7, 2015

Dr. Marshall saved my face after a bicycle accident 30 years ago when I was 10 and I have never forgotten that. What could have been horrific scaring was turned into a couple of barely noticeable scars. I didn't know him at all personally but I have thanked him in my mind many many times for his work. May he rest in peace.

Lailoni Capozzi Corman

January 6, 2015

I am so sorry to read of your loss. I worked with Dr. Marshall and respected him greatly. He was a wonderful Dr. My prayers are with you all.

Lisa Mathers

January 6, 2015

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the entire Marshall family. I feel so blessed to have known and worked with Dr Marshall. He was not only a skilled surgeon and teacher but such a kind and compassionate man. I will miss him and his wonderful laugh.

January 6, 2015

Jane, Annie and family, You are all in our thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort in so many great memories.
Larry and Janet Youse

January 6, 2015

I have never worked with such a team player as Dr. Marshall. He always shared his knowledge and experience without hesitation, no question was a bad one. I watched him with his patients, they were all put first, even above his own needs. RIP Dr. Marshall you truly left quite a legacy.
Marianne Diehl

January 5, 2015

To Janey Brayton-Marshall & Family,

Dr Marshall would arrive at the
Elmira City Club at the end of his surgical days. I was employed there for 5 years.

When Jim arrived he would go thru his entire day of procedures with me. Techniques, variations, unknowns and results all in a confidential manner.

Amazing discussions.
I came to know and love the Brayton and the Marshall family and developed deep respect.

I am honored to have served these families and grateful they shared there lives with me.

We love Janey and are in prayer for your family members.

Tommy Gilmore Program Engineer

anna cleveland

January 5, 2015

my first o.r. experience as a student nurse was observing a procedure on a baby, i passed out and dr marshall carried me out of the o.r., never forgot waking up looking into the those compassionate non judgmental eyes. this was 37 years ago and i have never for gotten.so sorry to the marshal family,he will be missed.

Lisa McGill

January 5, 2015

What a man and what a doctor. Dr. Marshall performed surgeries on our son who was born with a cleft lip and palate. We couldn't imagine how a man with such large fingers could do such a delicate procedure on a baby, but he did. He was wonderful. I've thought about him often over the years. My deepest condolences to all of you.

Leah Cramer

January 5, 2015

Alan always had such fond memories of the years he was with his Buddy Jim and the Marshall family at their home in Alpine.Jim was his HERO.

Marilyn Gordon

January 5, 2015

What a great doctor attached to a great man.My condolences to the Marshall family.

January 5, 2015

Dr. Marshall was one of the finest. Had some special times with him that I will never forget. My condolences to his family.

Joseph Moretti / Florida

Maria Paribello

January 4, 2015

Dear Jane and family:

My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very sad and difficult time. Jim was an excellent physician but most of all he was a very "down-to-earth" person with a wonderful zest for life. I have some very fond memories of him and your family when I had the opportunity of visiting "the farm". May he rest in peace.

January 2, 2015

Bob knew Dr. Marshall for many,many years. He will be missed be alot of people.
Bob and Sue Fair

Peter Tyra

January 1, 2015

Dr. Marshall , He was the greatest ! I loved the man.

Carolyn Ackler

January 1, 2015

thoughts and prayers to the family. what a great man and doctor he was.

Esther Welliver

January 1, 2015

My thoughts and prayers to the entire Marshall family. I am so sorry for your loss. He was a class act. He was a kind and generous and loving man. In 1972 he saved my life and for that I am eternally grateful. I was very blessed to have had him in my life. Blessings~

Terri Redder Ennis

January 1, 2015

Thoughts and love from Phoenix, AZ. Paul Montanarella "I always enjoyed supplying you with Cuban cigars" Terri Redder Ennis "I started medical career straight from highschool in the Burn Unit only to follow years later in AOMC OR where I often had to pull up his pants. What a great honor to know such a spectacular. Thank you to the family for sharing him with us. He will be missed greatly by all who lives he touched."

Kelly Williams

December 31, 2014

Dr. Marshall was an amazing caring man. He is the reason I have my arm and hand today. He was more then my Dr. he was my friend. My thoughts and prayers are with his family! Dr. Marshall will be truly missed!!

December 31, 2014

A great man and physician who touched so many lives is gone. He will never be forgotten. I had the privelege of working with him in the old "burn unit" and also being a patient of his. He will be missed greatly. You are in my prayers. Heidi Mcdermott

Kathy mayo

December 31, 2014

I feel honored to have had the opportunity to help care for such a wonderful man.My deepest sympathy go out to the family.

Bill Beecher

December 31, 2014

With deepest sympathy from the Beecher family to the entire Marshall family. What an incredible person Dr. James Marshall was. We are all fortunate for having him in our lives and community. He was ONE OF A KIND!

Debra Albro

December 31, 2014

I feel honored to of known and work with Jim. He was a brilliant, compassionate, and loving men. Who will missed by many.

Mike Semel

December 31, 2014

To Jane and family:
So many share in your loss. Dr. Marshall taught us EMT's about treating burns, got Elmira a burn unit and a hand treatment center, and gave excellent treatment to me, my friend who was severely burned, and countless others. He was big and strong, had such a gentle demeanor and took our fears away, and was there when we needed him the most.

Esther Kowulich

December 31, 2014

He was the most skilled and compassionate physician I have had the privilege to work with. My deepest sympathy for your loss.

Jenny Novak-Kilmer

December 31, 2014

Words cannot express the gratitude, admiration and respect I have always had for Dr. Marshall. Although it has been many years since I've seen him, he is often in my thoughts. My life was better because I was blessed to know him.

Ron and Jeanne Van Galder

December 31, 2014

I am so sad to hear of your loss. Your father/husband was a great asset to the community.

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