James Morgan Read III

About

Earlham College University of Montana

James Read Obituary

James Morgan Read III died May 19 after a long battle with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease). He was 63. Surrounded by friends and family, he died at home in Boise where he spent many years as a clinical psychologist in private practice. Dr. Read was born in Washington, DC and spent much of his youth in Geneva, Switzerland where his father was a longtime United Nations Diplomat. He was educated at Westtown School (Philadelphia), Earlham College, and the University of Montana. A conscientious objector during the Vietnam War, Dr. Read completed two years of alternate service with the American Friends Service Committee in Germany. Moving from Montana to Boise in 1981 as Director of Health Promotion at Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center, Dr. Read quickly became known as an enthusiastic fitness advocate, and Idaho Statesman columnist, as well as television and radio personality. Boiseans displayed his "Sparkle Awards" in businesses of all kinds after he awarded them for acts of notable cheerfulness and extraordinary service, and he was often seen throughout town on fitness runs, and bike rides - always wearing and celebrating helmets. In 2009 the Idaho Psychological Association awarded him the John Cambareri Award for Excellence in Psychology, recognizing his long career of public service. Married for more than 40 years to the former Heidi Gerdes, he was a model of integrity, service and dedication to his family. He is survived by his wife Heidi G. Read, son Tobias J. Read and his wife, Heidi Eggert, and daughter Annika M. Read of Beaverton, Ore.; and daughter Hannah K. E. Read of Boise. Dr. Read's sister Austine Wood Comarow of Las Vegas, Nev., and brother Edward M. Read of Takoma Park, Md., also survive him as do numerous other relatives and lifelong friends. Dr. Read's oft repeated favorite quote comes from Swedish Diplomat and United Nations Secretary General Dag Hammerskjold: "Life only demands from you the strength you possess. Only one feat is possible—not to have run away." A memorial service is being planned for June 20 at 9 a.m. Details available by emailing [email protected]. Remembrances suggested to the ALS Association of Oregon and Southwest Washington (which also assists Idaho ALS patients)www.alsa-or.org

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

Published by Idaho Statesman on Jun. 6, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for James Read

8 Entries

June 16, 2010

Dear Mrs. Read, Tobias and Hannah,

I am so sorry to hear of your incredible loss. My memories of Dr. Read from my junior high and high school days are of hospitality, gentle encouragement and ready smiles. I know how respected he was as a professional and how loved he was as a husband, father, grandfather, and friend. It is an honor to have known him and to continue to know his dear family, who carry on so many of his remarkable traits and gifts.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jen Piccotti

Sylvia Baker

June 14, 2010

Dear Heidi, Tobias and Hannah, I only met Jim once in 1984, but have
heard from Heidi every year since then. My abiding memory is of a
loving and vital family, with Jim's incredible spirit at the heart of it. Our
heart and mind go out to you wonderful people across the seas.
with much love and sorrow for your loss. Sylvia and Andy Baker

Nigel & Jane Noble

June 11, 2010

Janie and I send you, Hannah and Toby, much sympathy and love. We are grateful to have been so inspired by meeting gentle Jim and you are very much in our thoughts.

June 10, 2010

Dear Heidi, Hannah and Tobias:
I'm thinking of the years when the cup was full; how it was when Jim was a major family member, father and husband. Rejoice for what you had while grieving at your loss.
My love to you all. Faith

June 9, 2010

Dear Heidi, I am thinking of you and JMRIII and sending love. I have such great, if old, memories, of Jim and his indomitable spirit. His and your sense of life and joy are often with me. Much much love, Carolyn

RaNan Lyda

June 7, 2010

To The Read Family,

My family and I have had the wonderful opportunity to know Jim for years. We have listened to his every word and enjoyed his advise and wisdom. He did always have time for everyone. I have had the honor of working with him professionaly and personally. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with you and your family. He is in a better place. God bless you all in this time of sorrow.

I will truly cherish my "Sparkle Award" he gave me in March of "92".

Barbara Nelson

June 7, 2010

Dear Read Family,

I knew Jim professionally for many years. I always respected his work, and over the years referred many cases to him for evaluations. I remember how incredibly prompt he always was in getting his excellent work done, yet he always had time to visit with me for a few minutes on the phone and ask about me. He was very supportive to me when my husband died. Jim was kind, helpful, joyful, and optimistic. I remember how brave he was in the face of adversity when I made my last referral, and he told me of his terminal illness and need to retire. I will always remember Jim and have had a difficult time finding another to fill his professional shoes the way he did. My love to you, one and all.

Barb Nelson

Christopher Sadler

June 6, 2010

Hannah: All my love and sympathy to you and your family. xxoo

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results