Obituaries

James Guthrie

Photo of James Guthrie
James Guthrie, retired physician of Camden, Ark., died May 2, 2013, in his sleep at home. He lived the good life for 93 years. It was a life of activity balanced by contemplation while maintaining an unswerving dedication to his country, his community and his family. Jim was born Jan. 6, 1920 in Prescott, Ark. to Mildred Pittman Guthrie and James Martin Guthrie, a pharmacist. The grandson and great-grandson of country doctors, he studied medicine at the University of Arkansas where he earned his B. S. M. and M.D. in 1944. Upon graduation, Jim was commissioned an officer. Lt.j.g., in the U.S. Navy. He served in Norfolk, Va., at the Naval Hospital in Aiea Heights, Hawaii, and then on board the minesweeper U.S.S. Southard in the western Pacific participating in the invasion of Okinawa, the largest naval engagement in history, surviving a kamikaze attack and abandoning ship in a typhoon. His ship was sweeping mines off of Honshu Island in preparation for the invasion of Japan when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. He treated wounded American and Japanese servicemen with a new drug called penicillin and shared quarters with the author Herman Wouk. He volunteered for active duty in 1953 during the Korean War and served as the base doctor at the Shumaker Naval Depot, now East Camden. Jim married Virginia Roebuck in 1944, and they shared 69 years of happily married life. After separation from the Navy in 1946, he began private practice at the Southern Clinic in Texarkana and then in 1948 moved his family to Camden where he founded the Ouachita Clinic. Jim's dedication was reflected in a medical career that spanned 51 years until he retired, aged 75, in 1995. Among his many interests was a passion for camellias. He grew and nurtured an impressive collection that has been toured by gardeners from around the region. He shared his intellectual curiosity by serving as a moderator of the Great Books discussion group. He also traveled, collected art and enthusiastically pursued many hobbies. Jim was a charter and founding member as well as the first president of the Camden Kiwanis Club. He was chairman of Camden's first Council on Human Relations for many years. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church and the Camden Country Club. Professionally, he served as chief of staff at Ouachita County Medical Center, President of the Ouachita County Medical Society and was a career-long member of the American and Arkansas Medical Associations. He was on the admissions board for the University of Arkansas Medical School. In 1986, Hendrix College granted him the Ethel K. Millar Award, presented by Senator Dale Bumpers, in recognition for his social awareness. Jim chose medicine as a way to relieve suffering. He was dedicated to general practice, serving many generations of families in the Camden area, even making house calls. In 1966, Jim volunteered for two months aboard the S.S. Hope, a charitable medical ship docked off the coast of Nicaragua. The doctors on board treated the local population, provided equipment and helped train local medical staff. Well known for being a man of strong convictions, he worked on issues such as religion in the public school and women's rights. He was often described as a Renaissance man who read extensively and studied the great minds of history. Jim will be remembered in many ways: by his grandchildren for his emphasis on education and continual learning; by his friends and family for quoting his favorite poems as well as delivering Scottish toasts; and by his closest friends for his love of political and philosophical banter. We will all remember his continual search for mental stimulation as he kept up with current events and listened to audio lectures on history and philosophy after losing his vision. When asked how he fit into this world, he would reply that he was an existential stoic humanist. Jim is survived by Virginia, his wife of 69 years; his children, James Guthrie, Judge David Guthrie (Mary), Anne Guthrie (Michael Preble) and Sarah Guthrie Elliott (Lou); his nine grandchildren, Adam Guthrie, Shelby Guthrie Denison, Hannah Guthrie Rutledge, Elizabeth Elliott Hudson, Kathryn and Anna Elliott, Alison, Elise and Drew Guthrie; and four great-grandchildren, Mary Elizabeth and Van Austin Denison, Rees Elliott Hudson and James Edward Guthrie. He was predeceased by his parents; sisters, Frances Whitaker (Deck) and Scootie DeLamar (B.A), and a host of cousins. Proctor Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Following cremation, a memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Friday, May 10, 2013 at the First United Methodist Church, 121 Harrison, Camden, Ark. with a reception following at the church. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. To sign the online guest register visit www.proctorfuneralhome.com.

Published May 5, 2013

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