Dr. James’ Obituary Beloved Dr. James J. McGuire , departed from this world on January 7, 2019, after 95 years of love and service to his family, friends, patients, country, and his savior, Jesus Christ. He was born in Jackson Heights, NY on November 6, 1923, the day Calvin Coolidge was elected President. His mother, Mary Veronica McGuire, boasted that the streets were ablaze with a celebratory display of fireworks on that day !
Growing up in a modest, ethnically diverse neighborhood on the streets of NY , he excelled in academics, sports and music. Upon mastering the piano and saxophone, he formed a high school band, “ Swing and perspire with Jimmy McGuire” ! After school tennis matches led to Jim McGuire winning the NY State Junior Davis Cup Tennis Championship in 1941.
This earned him a full athletic scholarship to St. John’s University ( NYC ) where he, along with tennis pro Bunny Smith, became the schools top seeds in both singles and doubles. World War II cut his tennis career short and he enlisted in the Naval Reserve in 1942 while still a college student. High grades enabled him to continue his education; in 1943 he was accepted into the prestigious Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, DC.
Upon graduating in the Class of 1947, he continued to serve in the US Navy as a Lieutenant, caring for wounded soldiers returning from the battle fields during WW II. He was called to active duty for the Korean Conflict. Despite two wars, he pursued a career in surgery , receiving his Board Certification from the American Board of Surgery in 1955.
His surgical career was exemplary. He was a master of diagnosis ; his accolades included: Fellowship in the American College of Surgeons, American Medical Association Member, American Society of Abdominal Surgeons, Member of the Broome County ( NY ) Medical Society, and staff member of three hospitals in Binghamton, Johnson City and Endicott, NY ( Triple Cities area ). He served as Chief of Surgery for many years at Wilson Memorial Hospital in Johnson City, NY and Director of Surgery for United Health Services from 1990-1996.
He,along with Robert Smith, MD, pioneered the group practice concept and launched the Chenango Bridge Medical Group in 1958. It evolved into a multi speciality medical group, serving the community in all fields of medicine under one roof. The group continues to this day,serving the community under the United Health Services banner.
“ Big Jim”, a distinguished surgeon, was one of the last of the General Surgeons ( before specialities ), having gained many loyal patients over forty years of practice. As clinical professor for Upstate Medical ( Binghamton Campus ), he was committed to passing his skills of medicine and surgery along to the next generation of area doctors. He was a distinguished role model for young surgeons, many of them continued to practice in underserved areas of NewYork State.
If not busy enough, Dr. McGuire was school physician for the Chenango Valley School District. Cheering fans at CVHS games oversaw Dr. McGuire with his special daughter, Therese, along the sidelines of the Warriors sporting events. Volunteering his services to long distance runners at local marathon events , he continued his medical practice far beyond the operating table.
He is survived by his wife Hannah Woods McGuire of 23 years, his five children, Christine Gertner, Catherine McCarthy, Dr. James McGuire ( Erica ), Patricia Maher ( Patrick ), and Therese McGuire. His brother, Rev. Robert A. McGuire, SJ, Fordham University, NYC, eleven grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.
Grandchildren: William ( Kelly ) Gertner and Caren ( George ) Olson, Indiana; Frank ( Michele ) McCarthy and Colleen McCarthy, New York; James ( Laura ) McGuire and Sean ( Brittney ) McGuire, Emily McGuire all of Florida and Haley Burger,Sligo, Ireland; Patrick McGuire Maher, New York, M. Veronica Maher, Florida and Elizabeth Maher, Ohio. Great grandchildren: Jeremy and Natalie Maher; Will, Taylor, Addison and Lauren Gertner; Baylee and Maverick Manning; Remi and Rosie McGuire. They, as well as Hannah’s children, Melissa ( Craig )and Martha (Kirby ) Stephens, supported him throughout his courageous battle with prostrate cancer.
Family as well as friends, consulted him on medical issues, remaining an inspiration for all up until his very last days . He provided a solid family life as a devoted father enjoying summer’s on Oquaga Lake. Missing many a night at the dinner table or social gathering, his family accepted that he was “making the rounds” on his patients.
Dr. McGuire was especially devoted to his youngest child, Therese Marie, who is a special needs individual. He was a strong financial contributor to NY Chapter BOCES and ACHIEVE organizations. He was predeceased by his wife of 41 years, Helen Yontz McGuire in 1991.
Having met her in 1948 while she was serving as an OB-GYN charge nurse at Gallinger Hospital, Washington, DC ,they married in 1950, settling in Johnson City, NY where Dr. McGuire began his residency at Wilson Memorial Hospital. In 1994 he married Hannah Woods, a school nurse at Chenango Valley High School. She succeeded in introducing him to a life of leisure.
They relocated to Ormond Beach, Florida in 1998, where they enjoyed Florida sunshine and Caribbean cruises. He golfed, played pool and enjoyed a good poker hand. Hannah kept him young and active.
His final years were enjoyed by over looking the coastline of The Intracoastal Waterway and Ormond by the Sea Beach. Family and friends may express their condolences at 10 AM on January 26th at Lohman Funeral Home,733 West Granada Blvd. , Ormond Beach, Florida with a prayer service following.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to ACHIEVE ( Therese McGuire’s a resident of NYSARC,Inc. , Broome-Chenango-Tioga Counties Chapter, dba ACHIEVE ), 47 Riverside Drive, Johnson City, NY 13790. Burial will be held at Calvary Cemetery , Johnson City, NY at 11 AM June 15, 2019 Arrangements are under the care of Lohman Funeral Home Ormond Beach.
Condolences for the family may be shared at www. lohmanfuneralhomes.com.
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