James E. Harrell M.D.

1938 - 2018

James E. Harrell, MD

Stuart, FL

James Edward Harrell, M.D., died peacefully at home, surrounded by his wife and four children, on May 11, 2018.

The son of Dr. O.E. Harrell and Margaret Hughes Harrell, James was born in Jacksonville, FL where he graduated from Landon High School (1956).

He graduated from the University of Florida and its Medical School, as an M. D. (1964). After Interning at Charity Hospital, New Orleans, he married his college sweetheart, Gayle Bauer. In 1965 he began Army Medical Corps service at Ft. Ritchie, MD and in Vietnam (1967) with the 25th Infantry Division in Cu Chi and the 65th Combat Engineers.

In 1971, James and family moved to Stuart, FL starting his Ob-Gyn practice. He was later joined by Dr. Larry Holder and Dr. Bill Hewson. In 1985 he began his James E. Harrell, M.D. P.A. gynecology practice. He delivered 4,000 babies.

At 17 years old, as a proud member of the Jacksonville American Red Cross Life Saving Corps, he saved two children from drowning in the Atlantic Ocean. This set him on a lifelong path of service to others.

He served as President of the Martin County Medical Society and on numerous Florida Medical Association Councils. He was a member of the American Medical Association for 45 years, the Florida Ob-Gyn Society and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Early in his career, James realized that indigent and immigrant obstetrical patients received no prenatal care in Stuart, so he and his partners worked with the local health department to provide this service. He started a clinic in Indiantown, where Gayle translated for patients who only spoke Spanish. Often his patients couldn't pay Dr. Harrell for their care; he would accept anything as payment.

Ending domestic violence became his cause. He served on the Board of Directors of SafeSpace and authored several courses on Domestic Violence. In 1997 he served on the Governor's Task Force on Domestic and Sexual Violence.

Other community service included the local Vietnam Veterans of America, Elks Lodge #2658, The Library Foundation of Martin County, The Martin County Gator Club, The Republican Club of Martin County and the Civitan Club. He was also a 40-year member of the First Presbyterian Church in North River Shores. In 2012, he won the American Diabetes Association Father-of-the Year Award.

Shortly after his service in Vietnam, where he was exposed to Agent Orange, James was diagnosed with Type 1 (Juvenile) Diabetes. He suffered kidney failure in 2000. In 2001 his dear friend and fellow medical professional, Mrs. Sue Morris, Gainesville, FL, donated her kidney to him which allowed him to live to see all of his children married, his grandchildren born, and his wife elected eight times into the Florida House of Representatives.

In retirement, Dr. Harrell took on a new, supporting role to Gayle's political career. He was convinced he had married the smartest, prettiest woman that ever lived and would tell that to everyone, along with stories of her accomplishments as a wife, mother, and professional.

He and Gayle raised four children and delighted in their eight grandchildren. He was a kind, supportive, and compassionate man, with a love of God, country, and family.

James is survived by his wife, Florida House Representative Gayle Harrell, daughters, Stephanie Harrell (Adam Johnson), Jennifer Sobanet

(Henry), Jamie Harrell (Ginny Sparrow), and Melinda Johnson (Gary), and grandchildren James, Jupiter and Justice Johnson, Nicole and Anna Harrell, and Aaron, Tyler and Nicholas Johnson, as well as siblings Martin Harrell (Norcross, GA) John Harrell (Panama City, FL), Mary Jane McKnight and William Harrell (Jacksonville, FL) and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 13, from 4 pm to 6 pm at Aycock Funeral Home in Jensen Beach. There will be a private burial followed at 4:00 p.m. on Monday, May 14, with a Celebration of Life service and reception at the First Presbyterian Church, 1715 NW Pine Lake Drive, Stuart, FL.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider donating to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (jdrf.org), SafeSpace (safespacefl.org, 612 SE Dixie Hwy, Stuart, FL 34994) or a charity of your choice.