John Phillip Fairchild

JOHN PHILLIP FAIRCHILD,
MD, COL USA (RETIRED)
1918 - 2010

"Phil" was born on Christmas Day, 1918, in Washington, D.C., the third of four children of Vera Ward Fairchild and Iler J. Fairchild. After a lengthy career of faithful service to God and dedicated care to sick children, he retired from Pediatrics at age 78. He died peacefully on Tuesday, February 16, 2010, with Julia at his side.
Dr. Fairchild graduated from Western High School in Washington, D.C after skipping two grades. He was an honor student and Orchestra and Jazz Bandleader. He graduated from George Washington University and then its Medical School in 1942, supporting himself through his jazz clarinet and saxophone skills. After his internship, he volunteered as an army physician, serving in the 3rd Army of General George Patton in the European Theater until the German surrender. His contributions include being the first physician attending the liberation of the Nazi Concentration Camp at Buchenwald.
After WWII, Dr. Fairchild decided to specialize in Pediatrics, completing his residency in Washington, D.C. His 33 years in the Army included Chairman of Pediatrics at Brooke, Tripler and Walter Reed Army Hospitals. He also served as the Chief of Staff at Walter Reed. He worked overseas with the World Health Organization on Children's issues, helping start the 1st Medical School in Okinawa where he received the Highest Medical Award in Japan from the Emperor's physician. He retired from the Army in 1971.
After his retirement from the Army, Dr. Fairchild served as a Pediatrician for Montgomery County, Maryland and then in the poverty stricken regions of Appalachia Kentucky. Health issues necessitated his retirement.
Dr. Fairchild was an Elder and Synod member of the Presbyterian Church and a leader in the BSA, contributing time and resources generously.
Dr. Fairchild is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Julia, of Luray, VA. He is also survived by his six children, Jean de Tarnowsky (George) of Amelia Island, FL; John Fairchild, Jr. (Beverly) of Knoxville, MD; Jackie Auxt (Jay) of Thurmont, MD; James (Karan) of Philomoth, OR, Paul (Judy) of Gulf Breeze, FL; and Jeffrey (Sarah) of Bellingham, WA. Judy and Phil have 15 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
The family has chosen to have a private Memorial Service at a date to be determined and ask that any contributions be made to the Shriner's Children Hospital or Boy Scouts of America.
We are thankful to God for Phil's long, loving and active life of tireless devotion to children's health.
HARPER-MORRIS MEMORIAL CHAPEL is in charge of arrangements.