James Frank James

James James Obituary

James Frank James

WICHITA, KS - Dr. James Frank James, MD, passed away on November 26, 2018, in Wichita, Kansas following complications from quadruple bi-pass surgery.

He was born September 2, 1937, in Troy, N.C. but grew up in Liberty, N.C. in Randolph County. He is survived by his seven children, Virginia Maurine Guhin, Lore Elice James, Meighan James Keely, Maire James McGlasson; Mindy Johnson Saintsing, Patrick F. James and Lachlan James; his two brothers, Dr. Vernon L. James, MD, and Dr. Samuel M. James, DMin.

He graduated from the University of North Carolina, BA; University of Tennessee Medical School, MD; Residency in Psychiatry, University of North Carolina/Dorothea Dix Hospital and Duke University. Additional residency at Aerospace Medicine, U.S. Navy Aerospace Medical Institute, Pensacola, Florida and Medical College of Virginia.

He served at the rank of Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy as a Flight Surgeon during the Vietnam War (1963-1966) receiving the Combat Air Medal, Southeast Asia Expedition Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Unit Commendation Medal. Additionally, James received the Commanding Officers' Commendation for superior service aboard the U.S.S. Kearsarge, CV-33, rescuing downed pilots in North Vietnam. As a Navy pilot he flew 20 combat missions over North Vietnam.

He served as Commissioner, Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and clinical professor, University of Oklahoma, School of Medicine; Superintendent, Cherry Hospital, North Carolina State Mental Hospital, Goldsboro, N.C.; Assistant Dean, East Carolina University School of Medicine, Greenville, N.C.; Professor and Chairman, ECU, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Director of Residency Training, and Chief of Service, Psychiatry, ECU University Medical School. He retired as Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry. Honors, awards, and publications are too numerous to mention.

Dr. James gave his life to the service of humanity with a special concern for Mental Health issues and will leave a legacy behind, as he saved and changed countless lives. We remember Dr. Frank James for his joyful presence, his love of poetry, his masterful storytelling, his overflowing love and care for family and friends, and for his kindness to all.

A memorial service will be held on January 26 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Timothy Episcopal Church, 107 Louis St., Greenville, N.C. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Frank James' name to St. Timothy.

As published in The Daily Reflector

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Published by The Daily Reflector on Jan. 20, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for James James

7 Entries

Alexander r Babayants md

March 24, 2021

He was a true hero and very compassionate, kind human being and an excellent doctor. Will always be missed by people who worked with him.

Kelly Walsh

February 17, 2019

In your rememberance Dr. Frank James ..
You are one of the most inspiring impressional people that have impacted my life to date .
Thinking of you in conversation ,
Your existence remains with your noteable honor. My deepest condolences to your family ..I'm devastated in their loss of you., your passing has me speechless + saddened. I think of all the attributes you shared in being my mentor.. especially all the knowledge I acquired from you personally.. our conversations leave long lasting memory ... your intellect is beyond remarkable ,you were such an intriguing illuminating personality .. you will be fondly remembered and sadly missed--
I must include Your impeccable worldview of God.. being that I have acquired another angel.
Thank you for being you- you have my upmost appreciation and gratitude .God bless the heartache to all who have ever known you bare.

Kelly Walsh

February 17, 2019

In your rememberance Dr. Frank James ..your are one of the most inspiring impressional people that have impacted my life to date .Thinking of you in conversation on today I discovered your passing with my deepest condolences to your family and children I'm devastated in their loss of you.,your passing has me speechless. I think of all the knowledge I acquired from you personally . Your conversation + intellect are beyond remarkable ,you were such an illuminating personality .. you will be fondly remembered and sadly missed God bless the heartache all who have ever known you bare.

Catherine C

January 25, 2019

Dear Lisa, Patrick, and Lachlan,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I am thinking of you all in this very sad time.
With much love,
Catherine

January 25, 2019

I too am sharing in your sadness as you remember your love one. I had the pleasure of working with Dr. James in the Department of Psychiatry at ECU. He was so dedicated to his patients and anyone he met and especially his family. He was so fond of his two young sons that I got to know while working with him. He was an awesome father to all of his children, all while wearing many many hats. He will forever hold a special place in my heart. He was a great mentor and friend. I am going to miss him too.

Shirley Williams

January 23, 2019

I worked with Dr. James at the Pitt County Mental Health Center. He was a great person, patients loved him and he genuinely cared about their well being. My sympathies to his family. Sincerely, Sandra Raynor

Walter Pories

January 21, 2019

Frank James is one of the main reasons that ECU always had a great Department of Psychiatry. One would never guess that this modest, self-effacing leader who spoke little and, when he did, quietly had also been a Navy pilot who flew 20 combat missions and rescued downed aviators. He did much to provide the much needed mental health services for our underserved regiop. There are many grateful patients who will remember him for a long time.

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