Dr. Jack Perry Strong

1928 - 2019

Dr. Jack Perry Strong passed away peacefully at his home on October 19, 2019. He was 91 years old. Dr. Strong was born on April 27, 1928, in Birmingham, Alabama. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1948, from The University of Alabama with Phi Beta Kappa honors, where he was also a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. He received his Doctor of Medicine degree from LSU School of Medicine in 1951, with Alpha Omega Alpha honors. Dr. Strong joined the faculty of LSU Medical Center in 1955, as an instructor of pathology, became assistant professor in 1957, associate professor in 1960, full professor in 1964, and served as head of the department from 1966 until 2010. Dr. Strong retired in 2013, at the age of 83. Dr. Strong was an internationally known pathologist, and the world's first person to conclusively document the relationship of smoking to atherosclerosis. As the first Boyd Professor for LSU Health and Sciences Center, Dr. Strong earned the highest professorial rank within the LSU University System. It is awarded to faculty scholar-researchers who have attained singular international recognition in their academic disciplines. LSU established The Jack Perry Strong, M.D. Endowed Chair of Pathology in 1992. His work has influenced countless medical students, residents and graduate students. Dr. Strong was Director of Laboratories at LSU Medical Center Health Care Services Division since 1998, and Director of Pathology Department at Charity Hospital in New Orleans from 1975 until his retirement. His primary area of research was Cardiovascular Pathology, with particular interest in atherosclerosis. He established The Cardiovascular Center of Excellence in 1991, on the strength of the Pathobiological Determinants of Atherosclerosis in Youth (PDAY) National Institute of Health grant, to study the natural history and risk factors for early human atherosclerosis and development of cardiovascular disease. Dr. Strong was the principal investigator of the PDAY Study which is the longest running and most comprehensive source of information in the US about how early heart disease begins in youth and how it progresses. He authored or co-authored more than 400 publications in his specialty field. Dr. Strong received numerous scientific awards including: The Alton Ochsner Award relating smoking and cardiovascular disease (1991), International Academy of Pathology Gold Medal (1997), American Medical Association Distinguished Service Award (1998), Spirit of Charity Award (2001), The John P. McGovern Compleat Physician Award (2004), Association of Pathology Chairs Distinguished Service Award (2005), and United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology President's Award (2008). Dr. Strong received the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, from the Emperor of Japan for his research and collaboration with Pathologists in Japan in 2008. He honorably served in the United States Air Force as Captain, Res AF, from 1953 until 1955. He was one of the original founders and the most enthusiastic supporter of the Japanese Garden of New Orleans, located inside the Botanical Gardens at City Park of New Orleans. Jack was an avid world traveler, had a passion for gardening, and was a family celebrated gourmet cook. Never missing a game, Jack was a loyal Saints and LSU Tigers fan. He had a quick wit and an infectious sense of humor. Jack loved life and enjoyed spending time with his family, and he adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Dr. Strong is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Mihoko Strong; his daughters, Mary Louise Strong of Covington, Margaret Strong, MD of Covington, Martha Strong Schlesinger of Covington and Maury Strong (Ron Caron) of New Orleans; his stepdaughter, Odette Woitschek (Mike Maher) of Metairie; and his stepson, Andrew Woitschek of Metairie; his beloved grandchildren, Perry Williams (Katie) of Covington, Evan Williams of Gretna, Brock Williams (Mary Kate) of New Orleans, Maury Williams (currently at LSU Med School) of New Orleans, Rebecca Lindley (Ellsworth) of Michigan, Caroline Pies (Shaun) of New Orleans, Sarah Schlesinger Rathe (Brant) of Covington, and 12 great-grandchildren. Jack is also survived by his sister-in-law, Bennie Buzbee of Baton Rouge and nephews, Donnie Buzbee (Marie) and Kenny Buzbee (Jennifer); as well as his brother-in-law, Gene Lewis of Birmingham, Alabama and nieces Ann Upshaw (Jeff) and Carollee Followill (Dick), and nephew Buddy Lewis (Martha). Dr. Strong is preceded in death by his first wife of 45 years, Patricia (Patty) Powers Strong of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; his parents, Larkin Booth Strong of Birmingham, Alabama and Mary Louise Perry of Savanah, Georgia; his sister, Jane Lewis of Birmingham, Alabama; and his son-in-law, Stephen Carter Schlesinger of Big Branch, Louisiana. A private Methodist service for the family was held at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life honoring Dr. Jack Perry Strong will be held for all friends, colleagues, and family on Saturday, November 16, 2019, from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., at The Pavilion of Two Sisters, 1 Victory Avenue, located in City Park Botanical Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions be made to The Japanese Garden Foundation of New Orleans, 566 Emerald Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70124 or online at www.jgfneworleans.org. The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com.