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James Biggart Obituary
May 23, 1946 - January 19, 2025
Burlingame, California - Dr. James Flimen Biggart, III, DVM, AVCS, MS, Diplomate ACVMS, a pioneering veterinarian, dedicated researcher, and passionate adventurer, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2025, at the age of 78.
Born on May 23, 1946, Dr. Biggart (known by his friends and family as Jeff) grew up with a love for animals, the outdoors, and the spirit of the American West, which shaped his life and career. He was predeceased by his father, Dr. James Flimen Biggart Jr. (Jim); his mother, Mrs. Barbara Mann Biggart (Bobbie); and his brother, Lee Bartow Mann Biggart. He is survived by his daughter, Kelsey Biggart Friedman; his son, Scott Woolsey Biggart; and his cherished grandchildren, Isabelle Noel Biggart Friedman, Noah James Mann Friedman, and Oscar George Biggart.
Dr. Biggart's passion for animals extended far beyond his professional life. He was an avid outdoorsman and equestrian, with a natural talent for working with his hands whether it was performing intricate surgical procedures or crafting and building outdoors on his property.
After earning his DVM degree from Texas A&M University in 1971, Dr. Biggart began a journey of academic and professional excellence. His internship at the Animal Medical Center in New York City sparked a lifelong interest in surgery, which he pursued at Colorado State University's Surgical Laboratory, earning a Master's degree.
In 1974, Dr. Biggart moved to Berkeley, California, where he completed a surgical residency at the Berkeley Veterinary Medical Group, one of the first specialty hospitals in private practice. He became an esteemed Research Associate in the Department of Orthopedics at the University of California, San Francisco Medical School.
Dr. Biggart's contributions to veterinary and medical science were transformative. Dr. Biggart collaborated with UCSF physicians and developed innovative techniques to prevent scar tissue after laminectomy and pioneered enzyme injections for dissolving herniated intervertebral discs in dogs, a groundbreaking alternative to traditional surgery. His research into total hip replacements for dogs, including the evaluation of cementless prostheses, exemplified his commitment to improving the quality of life for animals.
Dr. Biggart's work and legacy will continue to inspire veterinarians, researchers, and animal lovers alike. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he will be remembered as a man of hard work, passion, and an enduring love for his family and the natural world.
A memorial service to honor Dr. Biggart's life and contributions is yet to be determined.
He will be deeply missed.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local animal shelter, The Sierra Club, or to the Texas A & M Foundation C/O Memorial Endowed Fund #34874, 401 George Bush Drive, College Station, TX 77840.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
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3 Entries
Ruth Haight
March 20, 2025
I was a very green Animal Health technician and worked for Jeff Biggart from1979 till 1981. He had me braid carbon fibre to make cruciate ligament replacements. He was such a perfectionist with very high standards and a real passion for surgically improving the lives of his patients which he always referred to as "puppies" even when they were grey around the muzzle. Keep on fly fishing.
RIP......Ruth Haight AHT
Mark H Engen
March 6, 2025
I will deeply miss the wonderful times I had with Jeff at surgery meetings,
skiing, back country pack trips & fishing trips. He was a wonderful friend & colleague, always willing to help someone & compassionate to animals. RIP buddy, you will be missed but never forgotten.
Mark Engen
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
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