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James Anthony "Jim" Ferrara M.D.

1956 - 2022

James Anthony "Jim" Ferrara M.D. obituary, 1956-2022, Burlingame, CA

BORN

1956

DIED

2022

James Ferrara Obituary

James Anthony Ferrara, M.D. (Jim)
October 15, 1956 - October 19, 2022
Jim passed away at home with his dedicated and loving family by his side. Jim was an amazing husband, father, papa, brother, uncle, brother-in-law and Doctor. He will be best remembered for his Integrity, gentleness, kindness, selflessness and incredible wit. He was always the voice of reason and kept us all laughing. He was our rock, gentle soul and family comedian.
Jim was survived by his wife of 37 years, Cory, who loved him deeply, their two wonderful children Camille and Elliot, his lovely daughter-in-law Jessica and his, super hero grand daughter, Francesca (Frankie). He is predeceased by his grandson, soul mate and construction partner Vincent (Vinny) Anthony.
Jim was a longtime Mills Peninsula Medical Community leader. He was a revered and respected physician by both patients and colleagues alike. His vision and business acumen contributed significantly to the development of MPMG, Peninsula Medical Clinics and the Mills division of PAMG,
Jim is preceded in death by his beautiful parents Edward and Marian Ferrara and two brothers Edward and Paul. Jim is also survived by his loving and dedicated extended family who provided unwavering support and love during this traumatic time, sister Mary and brother Richard, sisters-in-law Tracy, Alice, Gari, Dale, Linda and brothers-in-law Jay and Steve. Jim also adored his cousins, nieces and nephews Nancy (Joe) Jack (Cindy), Bobby (Cindy) Elaine (Joe) Marylou (David) Sara (Jason) , Ross, Kee (Shelby), Meg (Pat), Nick (Kimber), Thomas (Janice), Paul, Kristin (Bryan) Katie (Jack), Lauren (Matt), Kathleen, Julie, David, Mark (Savannah), Paul and Tony.
Jim adored his career path. His work ethic whether it be in clinic, in a business setting, or working on a project at home, was unmatched and influenced everyone who lived and worked with him. He was simply a beloved man and pediatrician who was committed and dedicated to his community and his patients. Jim never turned away a neighbor, relative or friend for medical advice or care, often having them come to his home for a visit. He was very committed to his colleagues and made it a priority to do what was best for his medical group at Bay Area Pediatrics and not just himself. He dedicated his business knowledge by sitting on several boards (Sutter Health Board, MPMG Board and PAFMG) where he met incredible people who enriched his life.
Jim graduated from Notre Dame and loved the fighting Irish. He went to Georgetown Medical School and did his residency at Children's Hospital San Francisco.
Outside of his family and career, golf was his passion and he adored his golf buddies and his sacred time on the course with them. Jim's friends and their families were so incredibly helpful and loving during his illness and during the illness of his grand children and we will forever be grateful for their support. He loved his poker buddies and their "stupid" games (usually only denoted when losing.)
A celebration of life to honor Jim will be planned for a later date.
Jim will be missed beyond words. At the time of his cancer diagnosis it was his one goal and dream to see his grandchildren beat HLH. Any donations will go a long way in discovering treatments and cures for this terrible disease.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Cincinnati Children's HLH Center of Excellence give.cincinnatichildrens.org. Please designate gift to "HLH Center of Excellence". In memory of James Ferrara for Vincent Ferrara.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Oct. 24, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for James Ferrara

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Jan Robertson, Brian Benn and family

January 23, 2023

Jim was our beloved pediatrician, neighbor and friend. He was so kind to our family over the years and will be truly missed!

Nicole Courtney

December 22, 2022

The Courtney Family is truly sorry for the loss of Dr. Ferrara. He was one of a kind and my kids adored him and looked forward to the doctor visits because of his kind and giving nature. Our prayers are with his family

The Klunis Family

November 29, 2022

Dr. Ferrara was the best! A funny story... Dr.Ferrara happened to be in the hospital in the wee hours of the morning when I gave birth to our son,Daniel in May of 1990. I went into labor a week early and had actually scheduled pediatrician interviews that week with two doctors including Dr. Ferrara. He was there along with Dr. Henry Hamilton when Daniel popped out and our son got his first examination by the loving and caring Dr.Ferrara right then and there. When I brought Daniel in for his first well-baby exam, Dr. Ferrara said, "I guess I got the job but I want you to know that I don't hang around labor and delivery rooms just to get new patients! " We laughed then, but he always put a smile on our faces when we went to see him. Daniel trusted and liked him so much that he tried to convince Dr. Ferrara to keep him on as a patient long after the age limit! Our hearts go out to his family, his patients, and the greater community he was loved by.

The Eckstein Family

November 10, 2022

I am just heartbroken for his family. He was both my sons pediatrician who are 35 and 31 and their three children. Just one of the kindest and reassuring people I have ever met.

Julie Tominaga and Kevin Coulter

November 10, 2022

My husband and I met Jim in our pediatric residency program. After graduating, he became a very respected pediatrician in the Bay Area. His warmth and humor is well remembered during our training together. Our condolences to Cory and their family. Such a man will be deeply missed by all!
Julie Tominaga and Kevin Coulter

Steve and Carole Mahoney

November 9, 2022

We are so sad for all the Ferraras. Jim was the best. Funny, kind, and supremely helpful. We will be forever grateful for each and every opportunity we were able to spend time together.

Bob Hortop

November 1, 2022

Jim was a wonderful man, a top notch physician and a great friend. He will be missed.

Barb, Evan and Corinne Specter

October 30, 2022

We know that the loss of Jim, (husband, father and grandfather) is at the most difficult time of your lives. We wish to offer our condolences in this time of sorrow.

Kimberly Terry

October 27, 2022

First to Cory, Camille and Elliot, be so very proud, this man influenced so many people outside of his family.
I remember a very Green MD joining BAP, and he was so willing and wanting to learn the business. I am honored that I was one of his mentors and he my Boss, my grandchild´s doctor and a gentleman that never ever forget the people that worked and sung so many praises. I cannot take away you pain in the loss of such a wonderful gentleman, just hope you feel the loving hug from so many people who where graced by his presence and support!

Michelle Nevin Levine

October 26, 2022

I´m just devastated to hear this. When Elliot was at SI he told me his Dad was a pediatrician so I knew where to take my 1st baby and then my 2nd. I was a nervous mom about almost everything. Dr. Ferrara was the BEST. He was very calm and he was always right. I will miss him so much! God bless his family, I know how much he loved you all.

Neal Tandowsky

October 26, 2022

Our family is so sorry to learn of Dr. Ferrara´s passing.

Dr. Ferrara was the pediatrician for our 3 children from birth through adolescence. Jim´s dedication, knowledge and calm demeanor were always appreciated. Whenever the unexpected came up, he was right there for us with his sage advice delivered in such a kind manner. Our family always felt incredibly blessed to have Jim Ferrara as our children´s gifted physician and we will remember him always.

Sending our sincere condolences to his entire family during this challenging time.

Neal and Ilana Tandowsky

Martin Family

October 26, 2022

My family and I are so saddened to hear of Dr Ferrara's passing. He cared for my children from birth to adolescence. He was always so kind, thoughtful and caring to my kids and our family. He always took the time to catch up with us before any visit to really connect with us on a personal level. He was so genuine and we adored him. Our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May he rest in eternal peace.

Tonja Kearney

October 26, 2022

My sincere condolences for the passing of Jim. I had the pleasure of working with him at Bay Area Pediatrics in the 90´s. What an incredibly rich legacy he has left.

Bill Solomon

October 26, 2022

I had the privilege and good fortune to know Jim from his time as a resident at Children´s Hospital. What an extraordinary person! Jim was simply brilliant as a physician and a wonderful, kind, empathetic, and very witty person. He is greatly missed by everyone he touched. Marcy and my heartfelt condolences to Cory and his extended family.

Felice Soorenko

October 26, 2022

Jim and his family are my extended family. I will miss his calm presence, wit, intelligence and his jokes (most of which I never got, but that was on me.) We had a special connection and I have not fully processed this world without him, even though we have been 3000 miles away for quite some time. But whenever we were together, it was like no time had passed. May his memory be a blessing. Love you, Jim.

Sheri Morrison

October 26, 2022

Jim was such a special and beloved person. My heart is with you at this time of loss. May Jim's memory be for a blessing and may his legacy live on through his family and all of the lives he touched.

Cyrell Kennedy

October 25, 2022

Dr. Ferrara was a wonderful man. He was an excellent pediatric doctor to my sons. He was so kind and was such a gentle and kind soul. I was so sorry to hear the news of his illness and passing. Heaven has gained a true angel. My condolences to the family.
Love, The Kennedy Family

Chris Sevieri

October 25, 2022

Dr Ferrera was both of my kids Pediatrician. They are now 35 and 32 years old. He was always so soft spoken and kind. I will never forget what he told me one visit when I was talking about my kid's behavior, he said Chris, "Pick Your Battles, do not sweat the small stuff, they are kids". I still to this day think about that in different situations in my life. I will be forever grateful to Dr Ferrera............may he RIP and prayers for his family.

G. O'Brien

October 25, 2022

Dr. Ferrara was very special. When I adopted my daughter I needed a physican that would take Medi-Cal and even though they weren't taking new patients, he accepted us. I knew him from a good friend and they referred us to him. He helped many kids through the County of San Mateo CPS. So sorry to hear of his passing. Rest in Peace Dr. Ferrara. You will be missed.

Ernest Ribera

October 25, 2022

Jim was a phenomenal colleague and physician leader. He is irreplaceable and a huge loss for our community. I can´t believe he is gone and I will miss him greatly.

Gina Collins

October 25, 2022

Jim was the best -- his patient, kind, calming, generous, grounded and witty presence is sorely missed by all who had the privilege to know him. Jim's lessons are with me daily, and I miss my dear friend so much!

Patrick Lee

October 24, 2022

Jim was a great person, friend and doctor. We will miss him dearly.

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