Dr. David Hamilton James Jr.

Little Rock - Dr. David Hamilton James, Jr., passed away peacefully on Thursday July 24, 2025. He was born on May 30, 1926, in Memphis, TN, the son of Dr. David H. James, Sr. and May (Rudd) James. Raised in Memphis, he lived most of his adult life in West Memphis, AR with his bride of 70 years, Ann (Wrape) James. They moved to Little Rock in 2017 to be closer to family.

Dr. James attended Little Flower Elementary School in Memphis, TN. As a teen, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout and graduated from Christian Brothers High School, serving as president of his senior class. He then enrolled at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, where he earned letters in both varsity wrestling and football. In 1943, he played on the "only undefeated football team" before enlisting in the Army in 1944. During WWII, he served as a mortarman in the 42nd Rainbow Division and assisted in the liberation of the 30,000 inmates at Dachau concentration camp. In recognition of his bravery, David earned a Bronze Star medal. Following V-E Day, he studied philosophy at Corpus Christi College at the University of Oxford before returning to Vanderbilt to finish his undergraduate and medical degrees. He did his pediatric residency at St Louis Children's Hospital, during which time he met his bride, Ann.

Dr. James started his career as a pediatrician holding positions in Hot Springs, AR, West Memphis, AR, and St. Joseph's Hospital in Memphis. When St. Jude Children's Research Hospital opened in Memphis in 1962, he admitted the first patient. Soon thereafter, he joined the faculty at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center and Department of Pediatrics. Later, Dr. James established outpatient pediatric care in the Children & Youth (C&Y) Clinic in a low-income area in North Memphis. In addition to providing affordable, quality healthcare, Dr. James wrote grants to keep the doors open. He was beloved by his patients, their families, medical colleagues, and the surrounding communities.

At the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, he was an accomplished member of the Pediatric department, educating decades of pediatric trainees. Over the years, Dr. James never turned down a house call, and many of his former patients credited him for improving their lives as children. He participated in a medical mission in Haiti and was recognized for his post graduate work in health care rights at Georgetown University School of Medicine. After a fulfilling career, David retired in 1993 and served nationally as an expert (including congressional testimony) on the effects of lead poisoning.

He was honored with the Community Service Award by the National Conference of Christians and Jews, the Humanitarian of the Year by the Memphis Variety Club, the Outstanding Pediatric Teaching Award from the University of Tennessee, and induction into the Christian Brothers High School Hall of Fame.

Dr. James was an avid sports fan, planning family trips to St. Louis for Cardinal baseball games, and always followed his beloved Vanderbilt Commodores. He enjoyed reading, swimming, playing chess, and crossword puzzles. His love of sports, both watching and participating in them, was passed down to his children.

Dr. James' devotion to God and the Catholic faith was at the center of his life. He was an engaged parishioner of St. Michael's Catholic Church in West Memphis and served on the school board, lectored, and sang in the choir. He was a sponsor for Catholic newcomers and could often be found at home on his knees praying the rosary. Being part of this church family was a major pillar of his life. Dr. James' faith led him to join the Serra Club, a Catholic organization dedicated to fostering vocations. He served as Regional President and attended International Serra Club conventions. Those meetings included children's activities, so they often served as memorable summer family vacations.

Education was also a priority for David and Ann. They sacrificed to ensure that their children attended Catholic grade schools and advanced to complete higher education. Several of his children carried on his drive to provide excellent health care, with two sons and two grandchildren becoming physicians and one daughter practicing nursing and social work. Others have practiced in law, engineering, journalism, financial planning, business, and missionary work. David always enjoyed hearing about his children's and grandchildren's adventures in whatever interests they pursued.

David wished to be remembered for dedication to family. He leaves behind his beloved, Ann, and his children: Mary James (Bruce Plantz), Paul (Sarah) James, David James, John (Kristie) James, Charles (Laura) James, Theresa James, Robert (Patty) James, Richard James, Martha James, Mark (Dana) James, Shannon (Brian) Taylor. He had 21 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his son, Richard, and two siblings, Tom James and Ann Rudd Weldon.

He had an endearing sense of humor that lasted into his golden years. In short, he was a brilliant, loving man who will be remembered for generations to come.

The family is grateful for the care he received at the UAMS Institute on Aging and the dedicated SeniorKare caregivers he had at Woodland Heights in Little Rock, AR. A rosary (5:30 pm) and visitation (6:00-8:00 pm) will be held Thursday July 31 at Roller-Citizen Funeral Home in West Memphis, AR. A funeral mass will be held at St. Michael's Catholic Church on Friday August 1 at 10:00 am. It will be immediately followed by a graveside burial ceremony at Crittenden Memorial Park in Marion, AR and then a reception at St. Michael's Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to St. Michael's Catholic Church. Online condolences can be made at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/westmemphis.