James Hazlehurst

DR. JAMES

HAZLEHURST

Dr. James Hazlehurst died on November 5, 2009 here in Chico after a long, courageous battle with brain cancer. He died in his home surrounded by his family and loved ones.

Jim was born in Hartford Connecticut on March 2, 1956. He grew up in Atlanta, Georgia where he attended Marist Catholic High School. He attended Stanford University as a pre-med student and went on to get his medical degree at Emory University in Atlanta. While at medical school he met and married his wife, Janice, who was a nursing student at Emory. Also while in medical school, he joined the Navy and subsequently did his ophthalmology residency at the Naval Hospital, San Diego. His work with the Navy took him all over the world and introduced him to many wonderful experiences like learning to be a flight surgeon and propelling from and flying helicopters. He was deployed to Saudi Arabia during the first Gulf War in 1990, where he tended to wounded soldiers on the front lines near Kuwait. After 12 years, he retired from the Navy and moved to Chico where he purchased the Chico Eye Center.

Jim chose Chico as an ideal place to raise his three small boys. The Chico Eye Center became like another child to him. He grew it from a small-town medical practice to a huge state-of-the art ophthalmology practice second to none. He was humbled by the way the town of Chico accepted him. He felt indebted to the community that took a gamble on a newcomer, and he gave back to the town often. He was especially fond of the work of the local Boys and Girls Club, and he supported them and other charities generously.

Jim found out in January, 2005 that he had a malignant brain tumor. He had to immediately retire from the Chico Eye Center and leave it in the capable hands of his partners. He underwent brain surgery, radiation, and continuous chemotherapy, and for a few years it looked like the cancer had gone into remission. Jim took that opportunity to travel extensively and spend as much time as possible with his family and friends.

Jim got to see all three of his sons graduate from high school and college. He was fiercely proud of his boys, not only because of their intelligence but also for their character and sensitivity. He spent countless hours teaching the boys how to hunt, fish, golf, play sports and become upstanding citizens.

Unfortunately, Jim's cancer returned in October, 2008. He traveled the country with Janice trying experimental treatments, but no more treatment existed that could save his life. Jim continued to spend as much time as he could with his family and friends, enjoying the blessings of those special relationships. As one friend put it: "Jim's zest for life was an inspiration to us all."

Jim is survived by his wife, Janice, and his three sons, David, Ryan and Christopher. He is also survived by his mother, Jacquelyn, his two sisters, Karen and Judi, and his brother, Tom.

A memorial service celebrating Jim's life will be held at the Neighborhood Church on Saturday, November 14, 2009 at 12 Noon.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Boys and Girls Club in care of Newton-Bracewell Chico Funeral Home. You may share your thoughts and memories of Jim online at nbcfh.com.