James Grissom Obituary

James H. Grissom, MD

Born: April 14, 1933

Died: April 6, 2018

James H. Grissom MD, age 84, of Glen Ellyn for 50 years, passed away peacefully at home on April 6, 2018.

He was born April 14, 1933 in Oak Park, IL. A dedicated physician, he specialized in Cardiology and was a founding partner of DuPage Internal Medicine. Over 30 plus years, Jim contributed significantly and steadily to the development of what is now Central DuPage Hospital. Throughout his practice, he cared deeply for his patients from all walks of life. Jim graduated from Oak Park River Forest High School (1952), University of Rochester (1956) (Theta Chi), and Northwestern University School of Medicine (1960). He served as a Reserve Officer in the United States Navy (1957), a Lieutenant Jr. Grade in the Medical Corps, and a Medical Officer in the 2nd Marine Division, Fleet Marine Force in the United States Marine Corps (1961).

On April 28, 1962, Jim married Cecelia A. St. Aubin, a registered nurse he met in the Emergency Room during his residency at Cook County Hospital. Together, Jim and Ceil enthusiastically raised five children, hosted many memorable gatherings, and cherished quality time with family and friends. He played tennis competitively in high school and college, and continued to play into his 70's. Reading, fine dining, classical music, wood carving, drawing, and gardening were among his passions. Jim and Ceil were involved and supportive parents at their children's schools. Jim was an active and outspoken supporter of progressive public policy and politics. He was proud of his family's Quaker lineage and its contributions to social justice. While raising his children, Jim was active in the spiritual community of St. James the Apostle parish in Glen Ellyn and, later in life, the Downers Grove Friends Meeting (Quakers).

In his retirement, Jim continued to care for patients and mentor medical students at the DuPage Community Free Clinic. He also studied the foundations of Western political and social thought (the Great Books) at the University of Chicago. Jim regularly attended the Lyric Opera and Fermilab lectures, and followed current medical literature.

Jim is survived by his wife of 56 years, Cecelia; his children James Jr. (Cynthia), Margaret O'Brien, Irene (Robert) Atchison, John (Melissa) and Joseph (Roger); his grandchildren Michael, Robert, Ashton, Micah, Matthew, Megan, James, Jacob, Benjamin, Anna, Hewitt, Asia, and Kiel; his sisters, Cynthia Letarte and Catherine (John) Garra; seven nieces and nephews; and many grand nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia (Cook) Grissom; parents, Raymond and Frances Grissom; and brother, Alan.

Services will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Morton Arboretum, the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, or an organization providing for the medically under-served are appreciated.