John Passmore
06/02/1947 - 01/17/2024
Dr. John M. "Ace" Passmore, Jr. passed away peacefully on January 17, 2024 after a valiant battle with autoimmune encephalitis, leaving behind a legacy of love and magic. Ace was born in Columbus, Georgia to June and Johnny Passmore, followed shortly by his beloved sister Diane. He was valedictorian at Columbus High, where he earned the nickname "Ace" due to his uncanny ability with card magic. Ace attended Davidson College where he met his best friend Bill Bailey and their legendary pranks became part of local lore. In 1969 he married Donna Olney, "the most beautiful and wonderful girl in the universe!" Ace attended Vanderbilt Medical School. To make ends meet, Ace and Donna developed a magic act, performing regularly in nightclubs and on TV. Their love of magic and creating wonder became a lifelong passion.

Ace and Donna moved to Indianapolis for his residency, had four amazing children, and then moved to Houston to complete a fellowship in cardiology before entering private practice at Memorial Hermann SW. He served as Chairman of Cardiology and spent decades as a dedicated Cardiology Professor, earning many teaching awards and inspiring thousands of future doctors. In 2012, Ace moved his practice to Methodist Sugar Land where he helped develop their Cardiac Center, retiring in 2017.

Ace was the most magical dad and grandpa around. He was a celebrated pianist, and visiting the Passmores often included a singalong and a magic show. His album Piano Prestidigitations continues to bring joy to his family and friends. Ace also wrote several award-winning screenplays, earning membership in the Writers Guild of America. Christmas and the spirit of giving were especially important to him, and his novel Red Stocking Society was published in 2018, sharing his philosophy of altruism, love and wonder.

Ace is survived by his wife Donna, children Starr (Chad), Jackie (Howie), Skye (Adam), and Grant(Barbara), grandchildren Ellory, Juniper, Ines, Ondine, Lucie, and Azure, sister Diane Munden (Ron), dear brothers- and sisters-in-law, and nieces and nephews, who all love Uncle Bubba's magic shows, piano concerts, and zest for life. The family would like to thank all of the caregivers at Methodist, Memorial Hermann, the Amazing Place, and Silverado Memory Care & Hospice for their compassionate care. After living a wonderful life, his message to family and friends is: Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his honor to the Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance https://aealliance.org/ or to The Amazing Place https://www.amazingplacehouston.org/donate/.

The Passmore family will host a celebration of life on Sunday, April 14 at Evelyn's Park in Bellaire, from 3 to 6 PM.

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

Published by Houston Chronicle on Feb. 4, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for John Passmore

Sponsored by A Sacred Choice - Houston.

17 Entries

Fannie Sherman

February 21, 2025

I just found out our beloved Dr. Passmore passed away. He was a genuine person, professionally and personally. He would actually sit down and talk with us about the results and tell us how to correct any problem by living right, diet, supplements, etc. He talked lovingly about his wife and family. He had so many talents that were amazing besides having a good bedside. Some of the things he told us still resonate today in this ever changing world. May he rest in peace. Just a good man.

Anne Marie Germani, RN

February 1, 2025

Dr. Passmore, I have just now seen that you have left us over a year ago. I had the great privilege to be able to work at Memorial SW with you. Also, you took such empathetic care of my Mom. My sister, JoAnne Scholes taught your kids at St. Thomas More school. RIP. We were all so fortunate to have known and worked with you. Thanks for the Memories.

Tracy Sandifer

October 31, 2024

I was a patient of Dr Passmore´s and as I sit in his old practice office waiting to be seen by Dr Shan, I thought of him and discovered that he had passed away earlier this year. He was such a blessing to his patients! I will never have a Dr that took the time with his patients and truly cared! I remember seeing him one day and he went and ordered his double bacon sandwich from Jimmy John´s while I was still in the office! I just laughed and called him out on being my cardiologist but ordering a double bacon sandwich for lunch! Also, on one of my visits he came in and said he had just asked one of his 90 plus year old patients how her mind was and she said "mine is fine but apparently yours is not because you have on 2 different shoes". We both got a chuckle out of this! You were truly a blessing, Dr Passmore!

Grant

October 25, 2024

I miss you every day, Pops. You were truly the greatest. I love you forever!

Maria Jordan

June 27, 2024

Count myself blessed to have learned the wonders of medicine from Dr. Passmore, first as a medical student and then as a resident. His instruction and teachings I continue to carry and apply till this day in medical practice. Sending God's peace and comfort to Mrs. Passmore and Family.
Maria Jordan

Núria

June 4, 2024

Mrs. Passmore, Grant, sisters and family, my heartfelt condolences.

Leslie Parker Putnam

February 22, 2024

I graduated with John ended up in Houston and we never connected. So sorry to his wife and children for your loss. My regret is my never reconnecting with John and meeting his wonderful famy.

Patty Kimbrough Taylor

February 22, 2024

So many great memories of John during our CHS years - many classes together, Latin with Mrs. Christopher, Homecoming co-chair with me, lots of laughs and good times. Such a brilliant and talented man. My sincere condolences to his entire family.

Beth Webb Stanton

February 21, 2024

There are quite a few of us in Columbus GA who were fortunate enough to know John in St Elmo Elementary & Columbus Hugh School. He was a smart and kind friend to all he knew. We always missed him at the reunions. Our CHS Class of `65 sends our condolences, love & prayers to all of you, his family. He will be missed.

Jonathan Wang

February 7, 2024

Mrs. Passmore, Grant, sisters and family, my sincerest condolences. Dr. Passmore led such an amazing and generous family, one which welcomed all into their home as their own - including me as a neighbor and kindergarten student. Our prayers to lift up such a special family during this difficult time.

Beverly Willems

February 4, 2024

I was shocked to read of Dr. Passmore's passing. I was a patient of his for many years until his retirement. I could have never asked for a more compassionate and caring doctor. My thoughts and prayers are with you Donna and your family. May God comfort all of you.

Bob Willems

February 4, 2024

So sorry to hear that Ace has transitioned to the light. He was a great Doctor, friend and writer. Donna I am sorry for your loss and pray that you will carry on his legacy. My heart is weeping for your loss.

Sharon Zinn

February 3, 2024

Donna and Family, Harvey and I are so sorry to hear of John´s passing. He took wonderful care of my Mom. He truly was a gifted cardiologist and a wonderful family man. May his memory be a blessing. Love, Harvey and Sharon Zinn

Brady

February 2, 2024

So appreciative of his incredible teaching. After almost 15 years in practice, I still have the `little notebook´ he encouraged me to keep in my white coat pocket, filled with cardiology pearls and mnemonics, some in his handwriting. Tucked alongside contraband typed notes from pharmaceutical lectures. A comment from an ICU nurse at Memorial Herman SW sticks with me. She said, `He´s a good doctor, he treats everyone the same."

Garrett Smulcer

February 2, 2024

Dr. Passmore, one of the most talented, creative, smart man I have ever met! Not to mention a loyal friend to my parents! I know with all his talents, he left a life full of memories for his family ..

Laura Armstrong

February 1, 2024

As one of his former students, his love for teaching made my life richer. He will be missed. I´ll think of him every time I eat dark chocolate.

JWEI

February 1, 2024

I have such great memories from working with Dr Passmore during residency. I still try to eat as many (dark) chocolate covered almonds as I can. My condolences to Dr Passmore's loved ones. He was a wonderful physician, teacher, and human being.

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