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James Laws Obituary

Laws, James Gentry

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of James Gentry Laws, D.O., who left this world on April 30, 2025, at the age of 87. He was born on April 12, 1938, in Oklahoma City, OK, to Leo and Aurie Laws, who instilled in him the values of hard work, compassion, and the importance of serving others.

Jim, as he was affectionately known by family and friends, was a dedicated physician specializing in Interventional Cardiology. His medical career took flight in Dayton, OH, where he touched countless lives with his expertise and unwavering commitment to patient care. His impressive career at Grandview Hospital (now Kettering Health) spanned the years 1975 - 2020. His love for teaching others was evidenced by his regular classes and lectures in cardiac medicine. He spent his life not only healing hearts but also advocating for those less fortunate, participating in medical relief missions aimed at aiding underserved, war-torn, and impoverished communities across the globe.

His love for service extended beyond the hospital, dedicating his time to charitable and humanitarian works, and providing aid to those in need. He was awarded the Humanitarian Award by the Ohio Osteopathic Association. Jim's life was a testament to the noble calling of medicine and the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of many.

On July 1, 1961, Jim married the love of his life, Patsy B. Laws, with whom he shared a deep bond that lasted a lifetime. Together, they raised two wonderful sons: the late Jason Gentry Laws, who preceded him in death, and Marcus Vernon Laws. His family was the centerpiece of his life, and he found immeasurable joy in his role as a father, grandfather to Wesley Laws, and great-grandfather to Liam Laws. Jim's legacy lives on through them, as they carry forward his values of kindness, resilience, and dedication to helping others.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Jim was known for his impeccable style. A sharp dresser, he could often be seen in a three-piece suit, complete with a pocket watch and hat, embodying a timeless elegance that matched his distinguished career. His presence was always marked by a warm smile and a genuine interest in those around him, making him a beloved figure in both his personal and professional circles.

Jim's military service in the Army's 82nd Airborne reflected his courage and commitment to serving his country. His experiences in the military shaped his character and reinforced his desire to help those in distress, further influencing his path in medicine.

He is survived by his loving wife, Patsy, his son, Marcus (Leslie), his grandson Wesley (Allison), his cherished great-grandson, Liam, and his sister Amelia L. Davis. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Aurie Laws, and his beloved son, Jason.

As we gather to honor and celebrate the remarkable life of James Gentry Laws, D.O., we invite all who knew and loved him to come together in remembrance. The funeral arrangements will be scheduled at a later time and date, and we encourage those who wish to pay their respects to stay tuned for further details.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to organizations dedicated to medical relief efforts, a cause close to Jim's heart. He dedicated his life to helping others, and through your generosity, his legacy of compassion and service can continue.

James Gentry Laws, D.O., leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and commitment to the betterment of humanity. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered by all whose lives he touched.

A gathering to celebrate the life and memory of James G. Laws, D.O. will be held at 12:30 pm on Saturday, May 31st, 2025 at the American Legion Post 598, 5700 Kentshire Drive, Kettering, OH,

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

Published by Dayton Daily News on May 11, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for James Laws

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Charles Barthelemy

October 17, 2025

I just became aware of the passing of Dr. Laws last Spring. Dr. Laws basically saved my life from my heart issues back in February of 2008! My thoughts and prayers with Dr. Laws's family and friends.

Eileen Harvey

July 3, 2025

Dr. Laws was always an upbeat person sometimes had a joke or two.
My condolences to his family.

Amy Barr

May 31, 2025

My favorite doctor, he will truly be missed.

Kara

May 30, 2025

Rest in peace, Dr. Laws. Grandview will never forget you.

Ronald Ford

May 16, 2025

I met James Laws 35 years ago. He and Pat were my first clients for my hunting guide service in Kansas. From that day on, we were friends. We hunted together every year that we could. He was the most generous man I've ever met. A kind man. A great cardiologist, and humanitarian extraordinaire. The places he went and the things that he did far exceed what most people could ever do in a lifetime. We hunted birds in Arizona, Oregon, Ohio, Kentucky and in Mexico. He was an avid bird hunter. He's truly going to be missed by my wife and myself. Pat our hearts go out to you and yours.

Dave and Jenny Kaffenberger

May 13, 2025

In the autumn of 1983 Jim and Patsy were kind enough to allow our outdoor wedding on short notice at Ye Olde Mudlick Mill. We couldn´t have found a better way to start our lives together. Always grateful for your generosity and mentorship.

Cindy Favorite, RN, retired

May 11, 2025

May he rest in paradise. I learned so much from him and he was a great man, a leader and teacher, caring and a teacher of so many involved at all levels in taking care of many critical cases. May he rest in peace.

Ed Syron, PhD

May 10, 2025

Dr James Gentry Laws - God bless you and may he wrap his arms around your lovely wife, Pat and your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. You were the "God Father" of interventional cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery for many year. You save countless lives; trained many hundreds of interns; residents and medical students. Your weekend intense EKG course held at your Muddlick Estate taught clinicians how to read EKGs probably saving many lives and lot of heart muscle. You many all night vigils, before all of modern technologies, was an inspiration to other physicians and nursing staff. Loved your story about a "jerry rigged' pre bird respirator device and sitting all night with that patient who lived.

You welcomed me to your osteopathic hospital family; you mentored me; you trusted me and you became a very dear friend. Rest In Peace my friend, your journey was spectacular and your mission is complete. Ed Syron

Roy Chew

May 7, 2025

I was blessed to have worked with Dr. Laws at Grandview for 10 years and later at Kettering Health. He was one of the greatest adventurers I have ever met, traveling all over the world to deliver badly needed medical supplies, often in dangerous situations. He had a wonderful and lasting impact on Grandview and I will always remember him best for that special time. I am so grateful that I was able to have dinner with him and his wonderful wife Patsy, just a few weeks ago while vacationing in Florida. Rest in peace Dr. laws.

Todd Wilson

May 7, 2025

Dr. Laws always took the time to talk to me at Grandview; it could be about how many beavers were in his hat, or about the time he did `some preaching.´
I absolutely loved his shoes! He truly was an impeccable dresser.
Not enough room here to say everything, but I will add, he will be missed.

Bonnie Huber

May 7, 2025

So sorry for your loss Patsy. I´ll always remember him taking us a ride on the train around the property during the bicentennial.

Ed Hubach

May 7, 2025

A truly wonderful person and a great doctor

Teresa Wilson

May 7, 2025

My husband and I Loved Dr Laws. He took wonderful care of us for years. I hate to hear of his passing. Deepest sympathy to his Family.

Doris Simmons

May 6, 2025

Deepest sympathies to his family! Yes the man was a tell it like it is when it came to your medical care! But he was a compassionate man, I remember when he used to to come to Eaton office, and also saw him at his office on Granville Ave. He also loved hunting trips. Prayers for his family!

Alicia Michek

May 6, 2025

I worked with Dr. Laws as a brand new RN at Grandview. The amount of knowledge he passed on to me, and the stories he told are unbelievable. A true honor.

I even have a signed copy of his book! I just know heaven is hearing the word "Son" an awful lot now.

My condolences to everyone who grieves this loss, especially his family and closest friends.

Tanya McConnell

May 6, 2025

What a great man! I truly loved working with and caring for the Laws family! My favorite memory was listening for him to say" Where's all my nurses?" Rest in peace Dr. Laws

Corinne Hedrick

May 6, 2025

Dr Laws was wonderful to work with. I worked side by side with him in the cath lab for years. He was a kind and generous man. My daughter Grace caught her first fish on his estate. He had a way with kids and could keep them entertained. I am truly saddened by his passing.

Tim Nave RRT BA

May 6, 2025

The man truly was a legend. My first day at Grandview someone said `do you know the difference between Dr laws and God?´. God´s not a cardiologist.

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Memorial Events
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May

31

Celebration of Life

12:30 p.m.

American Legion Post 598

5700 Kentshire Drive, Kettering, OH

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