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Jamshid Bakhtiar Obituary
Dr. Jamshid "Jim" Bakhtiar passed away peacefully on January 9, 2022 surrounded by his beloved children and family. Born on January 8, 1934 in Iran, he immigrated to the Washington DC area with his brother, five sisters and mother in 1946.
He was named All-Metropolitan for two-years as a standout prep football player at Western High School followed by one year at The Bullis School in Potomac Maryland where he was recruited by Harrison "Chief" Nesbitt to The University of Virginia. As a Look Magazine and Football Writers Association of America All-American and legend at UVA, he was affectionately known as the "Persian Prince" and "The Iron Iranian." Playing both ways, starring as a running back and linebacker, he set many ACC and UVA records during his football career with the Wahoos. He still holds the all-time single game scoring record against Virginia Tech with 26 points. He went on to play professional football for the Calgary Stampeders prior to following in his father's footsteps, returning to his beloved university to attend medical school and obtain his medical degree. Charlottesville, The University and Virginia Football were always very special to him. He received the 2006 Football Writers Association of America's prestigious All-American Alumni Award. His alma mater also honored him in 2006 by retiring his #34. His number is one of twenty-one retired jerseys at The University of Virginia. As a psychiatrist his life was devoted to the care of his patients. Moving back to Iran in 1975, he established the country's first modern psychiatric units and developed the University of Tehran and Isfahan's psychiatric departments. Both his parents are buried in Mashhad, Iran. He adored and treasured his children.
As the patriarch of the family he was always there to provide support, encouragement and give tons of love to his siblings, nieces and nephews.
He is survived by his five loving children, Jim Bakhtiar, Roshanne Hemmat, Firoozeh Bakhtiar, Koorosh Bakhtiar, Sohaila Bakhtiar; step-daughter Liv Lillihei: his sister Parveen Bakhtiar-McNair and his many half-siblings: brothers Stephen Noruz Bakhtiar and Pirooz Bakhtiar, sisters Parvaneh Bakhtiar, Lili Peele, Maryam Nematzadeh, Afsaneh Navai; son-in-law Ed Hemmat, daughter-in-law Samira Bakhtiar, grandchildren Parisa Bagheri, Parichehr Asgari, twins Nadia & Nautalie Hemmat, Dariush & Donya Bakhtiar, Noor Nasri and Mikayla Marley Lillehei-Machado.
He embodied the seven great virtues: faith, hope, charity, justice, prudence, temperance and fortitude. He always encouraged those around him to work hard, persevere and be zealous in the pursuit of knowledge. He was an avid reader and was constantly striving to be as learned as possible and gain as much knowledge as possible. He is immensely loved, and will be deeply missed by all those who knew him.
Celebration of life will be held at 4:00 on Saturday, January 22nd, 2022 at The Tramway Plaza Event Center, 9600 Tennyson Street NE Albuquerque, NM 87122. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Association. Please visit our online guestbook for Jamshid at
www.FrenchFunerals.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jamshid Bakhtiar
Natalie Ring
January 10, 2026
I had no clue of Dr. Bakhtiar passing. I am filled with emotions because had it not been for this man´s great kindness and help, I would not be alive today. His kindness and caring were a virtue. No one other than those who were fortunate enough to know him will get to know how much I missed him when he retired. He spoke about his family and always had a kind smile. I, was blessed to have found him and have the time I did as a doctor. I will say this really brought tears to my eyes. I remember the beautiful paintings in his office. I believe his sister did. Just his genuine kindness was all I needed to come back to my own safe grounding. He truly understood and listened. Never made you feel uncomfortable or even dumb about things. May you rest in peace and I sure hope to see you someday again. When my true time comes. Until then thank you for everything !
Sharon Stokes Garrison
September 3, 2025
I knew Jim when he went to Western High school in Washington, D.C. He impressed me then and I followed his games at UVA. This obituary from the Washinton Post captures the person I knew him to be. Your family was blessed to have you!
sharon Stokes Garrison
August 26, 2025
I knew Jim at Western High school in DC. I thought a lot of him as a person. He was an outstanding football player and I followed his football playing. always. Even in HS he was on his own without family support. I never understood how he did so much. i am not surprised to read that he led an exemplary life. RIP Jim. You made the world a better place.
Stan Maupin
January 30, 2025
At age 5, a malignant tumor was found on my kidney. Dr. Charles Howze removed it and saved my life. Several weeks later, Dr. Howze suffered a serious stroke and was confined largely to his house and could only say a few words. My father took me to visit him periodically and, on one visit, he gave me the attached photo and his wife explained that Jim lived above the garage in the Howze´s Rugby Road home. It is literally my most treasured keepsake from those years.
Over a decade later I attended UVa for undergraduate and graduate school and must have told that story a hundred times. Jim´s success on the football field and in his career were known to so many and were a significant point of pride for UVa students during that time. And, I had the honor of hearing the chapel bells toll 7 times when Dr. Howze passed away while I was in school there.
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Fahima Gaheez
May 5, 2024
I just learned about Jamshid's passing from my dear friend Lailee, ( his niece). The news saddened me and I still can't believe he is no longer with us. He was humble, down-to-earth, fun to talk to, and a wonderful human being. he is missed by so many people. RIP my dear friend, Jim! Fahima
Vincent Van Dillen
October 24, 2022
A great man, the Persian Prince, my personal family doctor and confidant for many years! His bless his soul! Love Always Vincent
Natalie
September 15, 2022
I just found this! I started crying. This man made my world a light in the dark. When I felt hopeless, he gave me promise. The day he said he was retiring, I felt my heart skip a beat. He was the kindness man ever. There will never be someone to fill his shoes. Rest In Peace my dear friend and Dr. You will never be forgotten. Thank you for everything.
Anne and Bill Bullis
January 20, 2022
We remember your family with love. Was with your sister at Hilton Arms and memories of your years as an outstanding athlete and compassionate person.
Mishel Adolph
January 18, 2022
I believe this is the same Jamshid Bakhtiar that practiced in Marin County in the 70's and was on my mom's answering service and was our good friend..
Sending love and light to the Bakhtiar family I knew Jami his son as a little boy I am so sorry to hear of Jamshid's passing.
Monica Gunnoe-Turner
January 16, 2022
RIP Dr. B, I was blessed to work with you at EastRidge Mental Health in Martinsburg WV from the time you joined us until I left in 2006. Your contagious smile and heart for your patients will forever live on. Enjoyed your many stories of your escape from Iran and your beloved UVA Football career. You were one of a kind I will always remember that handsome smile from ear to ear. Monica
Frank Titus
January 16, 2022
RIP.
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