Dr. James Howard Carraway M.D.

Dr. James Howard Carraway, M.D. ("Jim") passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 28th, surrounded by the love of his family. He was 87.

A man of boundless energy, enduring curiosity, and deep compassion, Jim lived every day with enthusiasm and purpose. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, physician, mentor, and friend-roles he embraced with joy and wholehearted commitment.

Born in Whiteville, NC in 1937 to Fan (Robinson) and Ernest Carraway, Jim's early years were spent between North Carolina and Virginia. His keen intellect and drive led him to graduate high school at just 16, after which he went on to study pre-med at both George Washington University and the University of North Carolina, from which he graduated in 1958.

He began medical school at the University of Virginia as part of the Air Force ROTC in 1958, graduating in 1962. His medical training began in gynecological oncology, but his life's calling revealed itself during his service in Vietnam, where in addition to providing battlefield care to armed forces personnel, he took the opportunity to provide surgical care - including cleft lip and palate repairs - to local civilians, particularly children. It was there that his passion for plastic and reconstructive surgery took root. As Jim put it, "I knew it was what I was meant to do."

After concluding his military service as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force, Jim completed surgical and plastic surgery residencies at Norfolk General in Virginia, and a fellowship at the world-renowned Canniesburn Plastic Surgery and Burns Unit in Glasgow, Scotland. He returned to Norfolk to begin his distinguished career in private practice, eventually serving as Director of the Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery Center at Eastern Virginia Medical School. Jim was also the Director of the Aesthetic Skin Care Center, owned by his wife Judy.

Jim was widely respected for his surgical skill, compassionate bedside manner, and dedication to education. He mentored countless generations of physicians and proudly served as President of the Southeastern Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, a role in which he further advanced quality educational opportunities for medical students and residents. He traveled the globe, sharing his expertise with organizations like Operation Smile and Physicians for Peace, treating patients and training local doctors in the Philippines, South Africa, Turkey, Australia, and more. In 2011, Jim was awarded the Most Compassionate Doctor award by Patient Choice, which should not come as a surprise to anyone who knew Jim's signature kindness, and was named top plastic surgeon in a U.S. News and World Report in 2011.

A lifelong learner with a tireless passion for giving back, Jim proudly remained active in his profession until his retirement in 2023, marking more than 60 years of service with Norfolk General Hospital.

In 1986, Jim married his beloved wife Judy Rhem, blending their families and building a life rich with love, laughter, and purpose. Together, they created a warm and welcoming home filled with music, beach trips to the Outer Banks, and unforgettable family gatherings. At Jim and Judy's house, there was always room at the table for everyone.

He had a gift for invention, a love of Rube Goldberg-style creations, an uncanny ability to repair anything with duct tape, and an unmatched talent for packing an entire beach-day setup onto a single bicycle. Jim never met a problem he couldn't solve through some unique or creative means, a skill which shone through in both his personal and professional lives. He rollerbladed into his 70s, cycled into his 80s, and often said he was blessed with the "happy gene" - he found ways to see the beauty in the small details and bring fun and life into any activity. He was a longtime board member of TowneBank, where he made lifelong friends, and a member of Ghent United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Judy, and their children Marc (Lisa), Kim (Mark), Catherine (Harry), and David (Margaret-Ann); grandchildren Zachary (Jessie), Kaitlin (Randall), Anne Hobbs (Henry), Anthony (Serena), James Walker (Hayden), Hallie (Kaleb), Connor (Kelsie), Daniel, and Caroline; and great-grandchildren Charlotte, Wyatt, August James, and Margaret. He was also blessed with bonus grandchildren Nicole, Patrick, Jessica, Ryan, and Beth. He is also survived by his brother, Ernest, his in-laws Dixie (Gary) and David (Nancy), nephews, and nieces; his first wife, Anne; and his loving Maltese dogs Jacy and Joy.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his younger sister, Mary.

Following a private interment at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, the family invites friends of Dr. Carraway to join in a celebration of his life at 2:00pm on Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church hall (Graydon Ave) in Norfolk.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the TowneBank Foundation, Duck United Methodist Church or Ghent United Methodist Church, in honor of a life lived with compassion, generosity, and joy.