Dr. James Francis King

Dr. James Francis King, age 81, died suddenly Monday, of cardiac arrest. He was a life resident of the Canton area, 1954 graduate of Louisville High School, 1958 Cum Laude graduate of the University of Notre Dame, and graduated third in his class in 1961 from the Saint Louis University School of Medicine, where he followed his mentor, the late Dr. James Pagano, who inspired his career in medicine. He was elected into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, and continued his medical training in Internal Medicine, where he served as Chief Resident, at University Hospitals of Cleveland, and continued specialty training in Gastroenterology, becoming a fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology and Physicians. He was considered a pioneer in modern Endoscopic Gastroenterology. He served as Professor of Medicine and Chair of Gastroenterology at the Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine. He served on the Board of Trustees at Mercy Medical Center from 1982-2014. He was later inducted into the Society of St. Luke at Mercy Medical Center and became Master of both Endoscopy and the American College of Gastroenterology. He proudly endowed a chair of Gastroenterology at St. Louis University. He served on the board of directors for Walsh University, from 1999-2011. From 2008-2014, he was chair of the Capital Campaign for renovation and expansion of the Emergency Department at Mercy Medical Center. He absolutely loved teaching residents, both the science of medicine, as well as the importance of the humanism in medicine. At the time of his death, he had written a manuscript called "Little Touches," wherein he shared his wisdom regarding the importance of a good bedside manner. He was the consummate physician. Among all these honors, the greatest for him was caring for his patients. He was an avid golfer and active member and president of Brookside Country Club in 2005. He was a proud graduate of The University of Notre Dame and loyal supporter of the university and football team. His love of football began early as the grandson of Ralph Hay, one of the founding members of the National Football League. James was a Lt. Commander in the Navy during the Vietnam War. Among his greatest joys was loving and caring for his beloved wife, Charlene (Hermann). They loved to ballroom dance, play tennis, golf and bridge, travel, and they enjoyed the company of many beloved friends. James was a loving and devoted family man, and is survived by his wife of 59 years, Charlene K. (Hermann) King, daughters, Kathleen Marie King of Canton, Valerie King and Dr. Julie (Dr. Daniel Oliver) King all of Baltimore, Maryland, son, James King of Marysville, grandchildren, Morgan, Dylan and Kirsten McCann, Ashlyn and Marshal (Allanah) King, and Charles and Alice Oliver, sisters, Linda (Richard) Barnes of Louisville, Constance Sakotos of East Canton and Kathleen King of North Canton, brothers, Robert (Cindy) King of Louisville and Dennis (Linda) King of North Canton and a brother-in-law, Terrance Spach of Ocean Isle, North Carolina. Preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Virginia (Hay) King and a sister, Marilyn Spach. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday at 10 a.m. at Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, where he was an active parishioner, with Father Patrick Manning as celebrant. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. Friends may call Sunday from 1-4 p.m. at the Lamiell Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Mercy Development Fund Foundation.