Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
James Sherrill Obituary
February 27, 1933 - July 8, 2023
La Jolla
Long time La Jolla Ophthalmologist, Jim Sherrill past away peacefully on July 8, 2023 surrounded by family.
Jim was born in La Jolla at the old Scripps Clinic on Prospect Street were his late father was the first medical director. He attended both La Jolla Elementary and La Jolla High School. During the summers he worked at the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club as a beach boy and a lifeguard and may be remembered as an avid bodysurfer.
Jim graduated from Stanford, served in the US Army and graduated from Washington University Medical School in St. Louis in 1965. He accepted an Ophthalmology residency at the University of California in San Francisco. It was there that he met his loving wife, Barbara.
Known to his close friends as Buzzy, he returned to La Jolla to begin his practice and raise his family.
Jim had a zest for life and adventure and enjoyed all that La Jolla and San Diego offered. He was a longtime parishioner at La Jolla Presbyterian Church where he had served as a deacon. He especially enjoyed the Monday morning men's prayer breakfasts. As a longtime, active member of La Jolla Kiwanis Club he may be remembered flipping pancakes at all the annual Rec Center breakfasts. For more than 30 years he enjoyed weekday lunches with friends at the Wall Street Coffee Cup. Together he and Barbara enjoyed rooting for the San Diego Chargers and Padres. As a lifelong La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club members, they had fun at their many beach cookouts and Jewel Balls.
Aside from his practice and local activities, he and Barbara delighted in traveling with friends and family to Europe, Canada, Mexico and much of the USA. Favorites were ski resorts in Utah, Colorado and California.
He was predeceased by his parents Dr. James W. Sherrill Sr., Lucy Heath Sherrill and sister Lucy Mary Hartford. Jim is survived by his wife of 56 years, Barbara, daughter's Kristina (Kristian) Morrill, Brooke (Michael) Cavanaugh, Abigail (Nolan) Wall and grandchildren Mason, Hayden, Henry and Zoey.
Please sign the guest book online at legacy.com/obituaries/ lajollalight
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Sherrill
Jock Nichols
August 20, 2023
Buzzy!You were always optimistic for the more than 80 years you made me you friend. You will be missed by me , but never forgotten by me.
Jaroslaw Pikolycky DDS
August 20, 2023
Jaroslaw Pikolycky DDS
August 20, 2023
Jaroslaw Pikolycky DDS
August 20, 2023
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Jaroslaw Pikolycky DDS
August 20, 2023
Dr Jim Sherrill was a wonderful compassionate physician. It was my honor
to know him and be his patient.
Jaroslaw Pikolycky DDS
La Jolla
Ingrid Baisch
August 16, 2023
With deepest sympathy to Dr. Sherrill's family.
Dr. Sherrill, Sr. sponsored my mother, Johanna Ella Heynig's, immigration to the U.S. from the horror of WWII Germany. She was Dr. Sherrill, Jr.'s and Lucy Mary's au pair.
Dr. Sherrill, Sr.'s compassion toward my mother made all the difference.
In my heart, you are family.
With profound gratitude,
Ingrid Baisch, Architect
San Diego Unified School District
Orrin Gabsch
August 15, 2023
Barbara and family,
How I enjoyed those many lunches with Jim and the gang at The Coffee Cup. What wonderful memories! Also, spending those Sunday mornings at LJ Pres. RIP
All the Best to you and the girls.
Orrin
Jennifer and Gregory Andrews
August 13, 2023
We send a special Blessing for you Barbara and your family now. It was an honor to have had him
for our doctor, friend and neighbor. My mother
interviewed Dr Sherrill many years ago when he did
eye transplants and saved vision for others. He was a gift for so many. Thank you, The Andrews Family.
John & La Donna Marietti
August 13, 2023
Barbara and family, what a nice obituary for Jim. We only had the pleasure of meeting him a few times, several years ago. He was the true native La Jollian among all of us. Our loss in not knowing him better in the many years we visit La Jolla. May he rest in peace. John & La Donna Marietti
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Make a Donation
in James Sherrill's name
Memorial Events
for James Sherrill
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Sherrill's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
