J. Darrell Shea M.D.

Shea, MD, James was born in Corning N.Y. to James Basil Shea and Louise Clark Shea on July 10, 1932. He graduated from Northside High School and attended Colgate University on a New York State Scholarship. He received a master of science in Bacteriology at University of Rochester and four years later his medical degree. After internship and residency he joined the U.S. Air Force in Portland, OR as base surgeon and then on to the University of Pittsburgh for his Orthopedic residency. After a fellowship in Oxford England he returned to Pittsburgh and then to the University of Miami as an associate professor. Darrell married Ann Lisabeth McKaig, the love of his life, in September of 1955 and the family settled in Orlando in 1972 when he entered practice with Robert C. Mumby, MD. That practice enlarged over the years to become Orlando Orthopedic Center. His interest in Spinal Cord Injury and Rehabilitation began in Miami. He felt this was the work he was meant to do. He loved working with his special team of Nurses, Doctors and Therapist as he felt they could solve problems together. Darrell became President of American Spinal Injury Association and developed great friendships throughout the country with others working in this field of medicine. He was appointed to the Florida Board of Medical Examiners by Mayor Bill Frederick which was an eight year commitment. He wrote articles for county and state journals and became president of Orange County Medical Association. After he retired he had three jobs, one of these was the first Chief Medical Officer for the State of Florida. One of his favorite places to be on Thursday was the downtown Rotary meeting. He enjoyed being part of the Thomas Murphy Society, teaching Sunday school, traveling with Ann and friends and riding bicycles in Europe. Topping this list was playing with his Granddaughters at the beach! Darrell and Ann were married for 60 years, had 4 children and two Grandchildren: Kimberly, Todd (Deceased), Melanie and Randy (Christine) Mackenzie and Bailey. Darrell is also survived by his brother Dudley C. Shea of Corning N.Y. The family would like to express our gratitude to our special Angel, Lisa Smith, who gave such loving care to Darrell. A celebration of life memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church Orlando, Wednesday January 27, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. with Dr. David Swanson officiating. In Lieu of flowers please contribute to the Alzheimer's Association or American Cancer Society.