Dr. James Crawford Bruce

GREENSBORO Dr. James Crawford Bruce died peacefully on November 23, 2016 at Cone Hospital, Greensboro, North Carolina surrounded by his family.Dr. Bruce was born February 13, 1920, in Atlanta, Georgia to Mr. and Mrs. James C. Bruce Sr. He graduated from Boys High followed by two years at Georgia Tech as an Aeronautical Engineering major. His major changed to pre-med and he obtained his medical degree from George Washington University. Before settling in Greensboro to practice medicine as a cardiologist for over 60 years, he served in the Coast Guard and the U.S. Army Air Force. He served as president of the Greensboro Heart Association from 1963-1964.His medical practice as a cardiologist was early on highlighted by his expertise in nuclear cardiology. Several procedures he developed are still followed today. Dr. Bruce was a faithful member of his monthly medical journal club having just attended his last meeting two weeks ago. Dr. Bruce was an "old school doc" who would receive a box of home grown vegetables as readily as money for the services he provided. He loved his work and helping people as evidenced by the fact that he kept his office going until turning 88 years old.While he loved his profession, it came in 2nd to his spiritual life and his family. He attended Bible study on a regular basis and loved the Lord. Dr. Bruce was married for over forty-four years to Anne Haley Bruce. They loved their time over the years spent in Florida but their true love was the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.Never a summer passed without all of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren enjoying their grandfather's hayride in the cool mountain air in Meadows of Dan, Virginia.Dr. Bruce also loved woodworking and created many tables, chests, bowls, and frames over the years to give to family members and friends.Dr. Bruce was pre-deceased by a daughter, Carolyn Harrison and a sister, Martha Lewis.He is survived by his wife, Anne; sons, Roger Bruce (Becky), David Bruce (Debbie), John Gravlee ( Aida), Bill Gravlee (Swain), Steve Gravlee (Kim); grandchildren, Carter Bruce, Brooke Costinas (Steve), Will Gravlee, Stevenson Gravlee (Jamie), Alstyne Gravlee, Haley Webster (Thomas), Max Gravlee (Carmen), Alex Gravlee (Audra), Tanya Harrison, Travis Harrison (Stephanie), Sasha Stoddard; great-grandchildren, Evan Costinas, Milly Webster, Mac Webster, Meyer Gravlee, Lowery Gravlee, Wells Gravlee, Ben Harrison, Nicholas Harrison, Samuel Harrison, Kaylea Stoddard, and Jordan Stoddard.Services will be Saturday, November 26th at 11:00 a.m. at Friendly Avenue Baptist Church, Greensboro, NC followed by a private burial.The family would like to thank the staff at the Heart and Vascular Center at Cone Hospital and the wonderful staff at Friends Homes West.In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Dr. Bruce's memory to the Friendly Ave Baptist Church Building Fund or Search Ministries, 1852 Pembroke Road, Greensboro, NC 27408, or a charity of your choice.Forbis and Dick Guilford Chapel is serving the Bruce family and online condolences may be offered at www.forbisanddick.com.