James Douglas Maberry M.D.

1936 - 2022

James Douglas Maberry, MD
January 31, 1936 - March 23, 2022
Fort Worth, Texas - James Douglas Maberry, M.D. was born on January 31, 1936 in Gilmer, Texas, and passed away on March 23, 2022 at his home in Fort Worth. He was the son of the late John and Maud Maberry, and graduated from Gilmer High School.
Jim's budding football career was abruptly ended by his Mother, who was concerned for his safety and snatched him off the field one day, thus condemning him to a career in medicine. Told that he had to attend college close to home, he instead hitchhiked to Austin and matriculated into the University of Texas, which turned into a life-long love affair. After graduating from UT in two years, he entered the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, graduating in 1960.
During summer school, Jim met Samana Louise (Sammie Lou) Henderson, whom he married on August 2, 1958 in Georgetown, Texas. He and Sammie Lou shared 63 years of marriage during which they were partners in all aspects of their lives, including his medical practice, world travels and raising their family. Even as his health deteriorated, he was completely devoted to Sammie Lou. He kept his focus on her well-being, and was insistent on surprising her with gifts for her birthday and holidays.
After graduation from medical school, Jim served as a doctor in the U.S. Army (Captain) and performed a dermatology residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. Following his residency, he moved his family to Fort Worth, where he practiced dermatology for almost 50 years.
Jim and Sammie were blessed with four children, and raised them with a strong sense of ethics and Christian values. Jim loved his God, his family, and the Texas Longhorns. The greatest days of his life were his wedding day, the birth days of each of his children and grandchildren, and Texas 41, USC 38.
Jim spent countless hours to make his profession better. He was a teacher and a healer. He was a nationally well known member of the American Academy of Dermatology, serving as a member of the board of directors, and was instrumental in developing Medicare coding standards for dermatologists. He was a member of the American Dermatological Association. He served as secretary and president of the Fort Worth Dermatology Society and as president of the Texas Dermatological Society. He was affiliated with All Saints Hospital, Harris Hospital and John Peter Smith Hospital.
Jim had an insatiable curiosity, which led to a lifetime of learning and adventure. He and Sammie Lou traveled to all seven continents and over 40 countries, including being one of the first Americans to visit China after it opened up in the 1970s. He enjoyed bird watching and hunting, reading, and attending sporting events. The Texas Rangers were a particular favorite— he held season tickets for over 40 years and attended games as recently as last season. Jim had a wicked, dry sense of humor, and always seemed to look on the lighter side of everything.
He was a devout Christian, and was a member of Broadway Baptist Church for many years where he served as a deacon, and most recently was a member of Arborlawn United Methodist Church. He was an Eagle Scout, and inspired every one of his six grandsons to earn their own Eagle Scout badges.
In addition to his parents, Jim was predeceased by his older brother Robert T. Maberry and his nephew Mark Maberry. Jim is survived by his wife Sammie, his daughters Janet Dickerson, Laura Whitlock (Brad) and Sharon Cooper (Dan), and his son Stephen (Michelle). He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, Jessica, Collin and Kristin Dickerson, Katherine, William and Alexandra Whitlock, Samanna, Jonathan, Allison and David Maberry and Christopher, Claire and Scott Cooper, and nephews, Robert T. Maberry, Jr. (Anita), Davis Maberry and Mike Maberry.
The family would like to thank all of the medical professionals in Jim's life who made such a difference to him and his family, especially Dr. Allan Kelly. We would also like to thank his loving caregivers Anu, Norma and Sonia, as well as the caring individuals from St. Gabriel's Hospice.
Visitation will be held at the Greenwood Funeral Home in Fort Worth from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 1. Following a private burial, a Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. at the Arborlawn United Methodist Church in Fort Worth on Saturday, April 2, followed by a reception at the home of Stephen and Michelle Maberry. For those who cannot attend, the service at Arborlawn will be livestreamed on Facebook at Funerals at Arborlawn.
If desired, please consider donations in Jim's honor to Arborlawn United Methodist Church, the American Academy of Dermatology, The University of Texas, or the charity of your choice.