James Stewart Sands

Jim was born in Moncton, New Brunswick, the 5th son of Dr William Clyde Sands, Sr (Canadian) and Ruth Elizabeth Sands, RN (American.) Jim often joked about thinking his name growing up was: Bill John Bob Don Jim, because Mom often flipped through names to yell at him. (Two siblings followed.)

We grew up in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada, where dad was a "G.P." and where we attended Kingsway College [Academy.] Jim graduated from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan before entering Loma Linda University Medical School in California (where dad got his MD.) 

Jim was a star athlete, formidable on field, floor and ice! He was on the gymnastic teams at both Kingsway and Andrews where his trampoline suicide dives were legendary. In the outfield he was known as the "vacuum cleaner" for sucking up any baseball thinking it could get past him. Later, he played competition hockey, in various leagues, only bowing out when he hit 60.

He completed his residency in Hinsdale, IL, and as a condition of the government loans for med school went into practice in Powell, WY for several years. Once the obligation was satisfied he returned to Illinois, practicing in Bloomingdale/Roselle. Initially he loved Obstetrics, was Board Certified for E.R., but settled into family medicine. Jim had married his college sweetheart and fellow gymnast, Susan, who saw him through med school, WY to IL. Their subsequent divorce led to him moving back west. He followed his Wyoming partner to Simi Valley, CA, but went out on his own in Ventura, CA for the past 20 years.

Jim was all about "fun." Snow-skiing, water-skiing, he loved sailing and traveled widely from Japan to Morocco. He enjoyed birdwatching (from brother Don's lead growing up) and kept a bird identification book at the ready to this day. Likewise, he took to plants as he populated his Ventura lots with aloes, cacti, yuccas and palms which each carried a story. 

Several years ago his house was destroyed by wildfires. He escaped with just the clothes on his back, later expressing surprise that the aluminum in his Audi melted. He rebuilt to his own design but new codes required driving pylons into the hillside intended to keep homes from sliding off hills. The new house was set as far back from the edge of the barranca n his second lot, which allowed for a more sprawling patio, and his prize pergola. The interior decor sports a Morrocan motif, but outdoors he went master gardener with every tropical plant imaginable. He was proud of the two tall palm trees he planted years previously, that withstood the "Thomas fire;" trunks bearing the scorch marks to this day.

Jim was known for his charm, intelligence, and wit; his zest for life and generosity; and he was loved by his patients for his diagnostic skill and warm and calming bedside manner. Jim eventually became his own patient, (yikes! right?) battling diabetes, afib, back surgery and sciatica. On Monday [11/18] blood clots in his left leg caused him to fall at home. A neighbor/friend, coming to take him to an eye doctor appointment, found him Monday and called an ambulance. Community Memorial Hospital teams fought to save him but cardiac arrest won out Wednesday at 9:30am as his nurse practitioner associate held his hand awaiting additional surgery.

Jim is proceeded in death by his father, WC Sands; his mother, Ruth; and his older brothers: Bill, John, and Robert and wife Bonnie Sands. He is survived by his older brother Don and wife Darlene Sands and younger siblings: Heather Sands and George and wife Debra Sands, his ex: Susan; and his dear friend Kat.

Jim had 20 cousins; 13 nieces and nephews; and 15 great nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed.

Service will be at Perez Family Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Saturday January 11, 2025 at 1:30 pm with Memorial Service starting at 2:30 pm

A Memorial Service is being planned for Illinois in the new year. Details to follow.