James Howard Small, MD passed away on Saturday January 19 at the age of 81 after battling cancer. Born May 19, 1937 in Stratford, Ontario, he was the first child of Norman and Jessie (Hendershott) Small. Jim married Diana Louise McLennan in August, 1959.
He graduated from Queens University Medical School in Kingston, Ontario in 1962. Jim did his general residency at the Royal Victoria hospital in Montreal, Quebec followed by his radiology residency in Orillia, Ontario. Jim practiced radiology in Orillia, Ontario and Burlington, Iowa and the surrounding area for more than 45 years.
He was very active in the medical community being a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons, a member of the American College of Radiology, the American Board of Radiology, and the American Board of Nuclear Medicine. In 2004, Jim was awarded the gold medal by the Iowa Radiological Society. He was known for his dedication to his profession and his family.
He loved the outdoors, had a great sense of adventure, and an infectious laugh. An avid reader and inquisitive mind, he enjoyed the thrust and parry of vigorous debate and was never shy to assert his opinion. He was known for his piercing blue eyes, his love of cattle and horses, road trips, pie making and family gatherings.
He and Diana travelled extensively and enjoyed seeing the wonders of the world. Jim continued to travel, particularly favoring Italy for historic and gastronomic tours and Blues cruises for his love of music and to have a bit of warm winter sun. His love of music led him to volunteer with the Southeast Iowa Symphony.
His wonder and joy for life will be sorely missed, as will his guidance and love. Jim is survived by his son, Stephen Small (Louise) of Kansas City, daughter Suzanne Small (Baker Vail) of Connecticut, daughter Diana Small (Doug Dickson) of Chicago and daughter, Patricia Small of Detroit; five grandchildren: Jackson Small, Vojislav Ogarevic, Lazar Ogarevic, Abigail Ogarevic and Nathan Dickson; one sister Mary MacKinnon of Ottawa and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Diana, son Andrew McLennan Small, and sister Corinne Matte.
There will be a visitation from 5-7 at Prugh Funeral Service at 317 N. 4th Street on Friday, February 8th, 2019. A funeral service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church at 1 pm on Saturday, February 9th, followed by a Celebration of Life at the Small family home, 1017 North 4th Street. Memorials may be directed to the Great River Hospice or the American Cancer Society.
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