Dr. James Howard Abraham

DR. JAMES HOWARD ABRAHAM II, 85, of Little Rock, died peacefully on Wednesday, July 29, 2015. He was born April 16, 1930 to James B. and Allie Mae Boone Abraham in Lonoke, Ark. Jim attended Hendrix College in Conway, Ark. graduating in 1951. He then attended the University of Arkansas Medical School where he graduated with honors. Jim was a Captain in the Army and served in the Medical Corp in Germany from 1955 through 1957. Upon his return to Little Rock, he completed his residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Gastroenterology. In 1961, Jim joined Drs. George Mitchell, Bill Ross and Sexton Lewis to found the Little Rock Diagnostic Clinic, where he practiced until his retirement in 1996. There he impacted the lives of countless patients and colleagues, not only with his prodigious medical skill, but also with his wit and compassion. Twenty years ago, he met his loving wife, Michele, who became his steadfast companion. As health issues encroached, Jim's life was nurtured, enriched and expanded immeasurably by her steadfast and loving care. Jim was an avid fan of the outdoors and made numerous trips down the Buffalo River with his family and friends. Later in life, he pursued his appreciation of horse racing and was in regular attendance at Oaklawn Park. He was a patron of the arts, and especially loved opera. After recovering from a catastrophic illness last year, Big Jim went on to enjoy an exhilarating passion for life with Michele and his best friends. He conducted "board meetings" in New York at the Metropolitan Opera, at Big Cedar Lodge's Buzzard Bar, at the Grand Canyon glass sky bridge, and then went to Las Vegas to renew his marriage vows, with Elvis officiating. In true Big Jim's fun-loving style, he stole the show. He also savored a wonderful trip to see his oldest grandson Joey's Vanderbilt baseball team play Florida. It was a bonus year of the highest caliber for a man who had a zest for life! In addition to Michele and her son Bradley, Jim's life and memory will be cherished by those he leaves behind. These include his children, Dr. Dana Carol Abraham of Little Rock, Dr. James Howard Abraham III (Patty) of Little Rock, and Dr. Robert Lucien Abraham (Ashley) of Nashville, Tenn., from his marriage to Lucy Lincoln Abraham. Jim is also survived by his brother Tom of Petit Jean and seven grandchildren: Alexis Best and Jarod Deislinger of Little Rock; Joey, Nathan, and Ben Abraham of Little Rock; and Lilly and Rex Abraham of Nashville, Tenn. A family graveside service will be held in Lonoke. A celebration of his life will be held at Second Presbyterian Church in Little Rock on Saturday, August 1, 2015 at 3 p.m., followed by a reception in the Great Hall. Jim requested that donations be sent in his memory to the Pulaski County Humane Society, 14600 Colonel Glenn Road, Little Rock, Ark. 72210 (warmhearts.org). Remembrances may be left at BoydFuneralHome.net. Big Jim and Michele would like to thank all the wonderful physicians and providers who assisted in his care: Dr. Nancy Rector, Dr. Susan Delap, Dr. Les Smith, Dr. Cummins Lue, Dr. Diane Wilder, Dr. David Griffin, Dr. Lee Abel, Donna Givens, RN, Mary Grace his visiting angel, and the staff of Baptist Hospital ICU-South.