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Greer's Mortuary - Sedona

2725 W Highway 89A

Sedona, Arizona

JAMES SARN Obituary

JAMES EDWARD SARN
James Edward Sarn, husband, father, soldier and life-long public servant, died on July 22, 2020 at home in Sedona, AZ. After graduating West Point in 1963, Jim was posted with the 82nd Airborne in the Dominican Republic. Following one tour in Vietnam, he returned to attend Duke University Medical School in 1969 for his MD and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill for his MPH. Jim's 30-year career in public health included posts with USAID in Nicaragua; DC, Sudan, Egypt, Kenya, Afghanistan and Vietnam. He is survived by his wife, Leslie; four children; and two brothers. Services private.

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Published by The Washington Post on Aug. 16, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for JAMES SARN

13 Entries

Haki

May 11, 2025

My sincere condolences to Jim´s family. I am in front of a beach in Albania and my thoughts were sailing the sea. My mind went to Jim Sarn. I thought I will google his name and see what is new. I just learned that Jim passed away. I worked directly with Jim in Afghanistan when we were working in rebuilding health sector in Afghanistan, training doctors and nurses, building health clinics and hospitals all over Afghanistan. What a privilege to work with Jim. An amazing loving soul, great professional and dedicated human being. I learned a lot from Jim. May his soul rest in peace!

Kathleen Alvarez

March 27, 2024

I just learned of Jim's passing and want to express my gratitude for his kindness and wise counsel when I had the opportunity to work with him in Afghanistan. Jim had a great sense of humor, a big heart and made tough jobs worth all the effort, stress and heartache. He made a big impact in the short time I worked with him.

Jeb Hallett, MD

August 10, 2023

As our Duke Medical School Class `73 reunites this fall for our 50th anniversary, we will remember Jim and all our classmates who have served and passed. Bless every soul in Eternity.

Ella Sarn (Grandchild)

December 13, 2021

When I first heard Jim's death I was deeply saddened by the news of his passing. My thoughts and prayers are with him. But his soul is now at peace. May my condolences bring all you people comfort, and may my prayers ease the pain of this loss.

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Ella Sarn

October 12, 2020

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss him always.

Peter Smith

August 28, 2020

James (jim) was my supervisor when we worked together in France for a development agency with charitable health, education and shelter interests in Asia and Africa. He was very committed to enhancing the situation of communities in desperately poor and under-provided areas, working very long hours. He inspired me and other members of his staff in France. I shall never forget him.

Ted teddy Rodosovich aka Rodo

August 26, 2020

Jim was a footballer as was I. He was a year ahead of me. Tho I left 1/2 way thru yearling year I got to know Jim fairly well thru football and being company mates. I-1. I had the highest respect for Jim. I really don't know about his life path after I left in 1962 but I am sure he positively influenced those he encountered. Really sorry to lose a great guy.
Ted "teddy" Rodosovich aka Rodo 64x
I found several articles about Jim by Googling his name, FYI.

Dale Shaw

August 23, 2020

Jim was always so soft spoken and kind in our Duke Medical class. I think his military service gave him a maturity and focus more so than most of us. He had a true dedication to the profession. Nancy and I both send condolences to Leslie.

Erik Chickedantz

August 23, 2020

I haven't seen Jim since graduation in 1963 but have wonderful and fond memories of him. In short, he was simply a great guy. He was a football player and I was a cross-country runner so he was about twice my size, but we were the same size in our cadet friendship. Please accept my condolences. Erik

Duane Myers

August 21, 2020

Truly one of the most beloved members of our Class of '63!

David Mason

August 19, 2020

Remember Jim well. Great guy and public servant. I recall his funny story about the Dominican Republic invasion and waking up to find a tarantula on his leg. They were camped apparently on old volcanic land, and his troops had caught them and were walking them around on a string leash. Big laugh then. RIP to a good man, and deepest condolences to his family.

Bruce Babbitt

August 19, 2020

Arizona will always remember Jim for his leadership at the Department of Health Services and especially his role in establishing the AHCCS health care system. I especially valued his friendship as one of the very best appointments I ever made as Governor.

With my sympathy and gratitude to Leslie and your children.

Bruce Babbitt

John (Jeb) Hallett, MD

August 17, 2020

Jim was my Duke Medical School classmate. Because we both were service academy graduates and also had completed airborne training, we had an immediate connection and respect. Bless his soul’s journey in Eternity. He was a extraordinary man and physician by every measure.

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results