James K. "Doc" Hollister

Well-known Vallejo physician James K. 'Doc' Hollister passed away August 8 after a brief illness at the age of 86.

He had had lived a full life as a dedicated doctor, enthusiastic public servant, and devoted family man.

A Vallejo resident since 1953, Dr. Hollister was a Kaiser obstetrician for over 30 years, retiring in 1984. He continued practicing medicine with the Solano County Public Health Department until shortly before his death.

While he was dedicated to and highly respected in his profession, Dr. Hollister was equally committed to public service. Hundreds of Vallejo youth knew him as 'Doc' - their coach, team manager, mentor and friend.

He chose to give his free time and energy to the youth of Vallejo, influencing their lives in many positive ways.

For more than 30 years, he served as the team physician for the Vallejo and Hogan High Schools and Solano Community College football teams, refusing compensation for these services and requesting that the funds be returned to the school's athletic departments for equipment or used for scholarships.

For more than 20 years, he voluntarily performed the physicals required of these and other schools' athletes in all competitive sports. He was also licensed as doctor for boxing matches and provided this service to the Police Athletic League boxing program.

For nearly 40 years, he coached and managed dozens of youth athletic teams including Vallejo Little League, Vallejo Babe Ruth and Senior Babe Ruth Leagues, Western Amateur Baseball, Joe DiMaggio League Baseball and Pop Warner Football. His sons were among the youth he coached at all of these levels. In the early 1990s, he assisted with coaching duties for the California Maritime Academy's baseball team. He also served on the Greater Vallejo Recreation District Board of Directors in the late 1970s and was inducted into the Vallejo Sports Hall of Fame in 2006.

Dr. Hollister was a passionate advocate for and supporter of public education. His belief in the system spurred him to donate his time and skills whenever and wherever he could to enhance learning opportunities for students. He served as a guest lecturer at Solano College and the California Maritime Academy in a variety of subjects relating to health and reproductive biology. He was a charter member of the Solano Community College Governing Board, on which he served four terms, including terms as president of the board. He was instrumental in the establishment of the college district, the location and construction of the campus at Rockville, and the expansion of the college's curriculum and services to Vallejo residents. The football stadium and the Sports Medicine Center at the Rockville campus are named after him. He was inducted into the college's Hall of Fame in 1995.

A native of Fresno, CA, he completed pre-med studies at Fresno State College and earned his medical degree at George Washington University Medical School, Washington, D.C. He was certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the American Board of Clinical Hypnosis, and completed special studies under the auspices of the American College of Sports Medicine. He was a member of the Solano County Medical Society and the California and American Medical Associations, as well as several subsidiary medical associations related to his specialty and special fields of study.

He was also a member of Elks Lodge No. 559 of Vallejo; Masonic Lodge No. 87, Royal Arch, Knights Templar; the Kiwanis Club of Vallejo; Native Sons of the Golden West Vallejo Parlor No. 77; Loyal Order of Moose Chapter 315; American Legion Post 550; Knights of Pythias Washington Lodge No. 7; Community Presbyterian Church; and other organizations. He was a former member of the Vallejo Lions and the Vallejo Jaycees.

Doc was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Marilyn, in 1996, but he and his family were blessed during the last eight years with the presence of his second wife, Patsy, with whom he shared many interests and good times. He is survived by Patsy, sister Lillian (Dave) Crockett of San Marcos, CA; his children and their families: daughter Leslie Hollister (Kelly Berger) of Auburn, CA, and her son David McWhorter of Vallejo; son James III (Karen) of Elk Grove; daughter Kerrie Dennis of Vallejo; son Patrick (Karen) of Benicia and their children Laura and Patrick; son Michael (Nekane) of Fairfield and their children Danielle, Megan and Aaron; and son Daniel (Holly) of Vallejo and their son Richard. He is also survived by hundreds of Vallejoans whose lives he touched in many wonderful ways.

A celebration of Dr. Hollister's life will be held at the Vallejo Elks Lodge, Thursday, August 28, at 3 p.m. Inurnment will be private.

A scholarship has been established at Solano College in Dr. Hollister's name. Contributions to the scholarship may be made in his memory by sending a check to the Solano Community College Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 2208, Fairfield, CA 94533.