Dr. Arthur G. James, founder of the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital, died Monday afternoon at the age of 89, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
James is survived by his wife, Millie, sons David and Cameron (and wife Nancy) and grandchildren Nancy and Kenny Johnson, Arthur James, Joseph James and Cartherine James.
Funeral services for James will be private, but a public viewing is planned at Shoedinger Northwest Chapel, 1740 Zollinger Road, on Thursday and Friday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., respectively. For Sunday, officials also are planning a white-coat processional, a tradition for honoring the memory of medical leaders.
“The passion that Dr. James showed throughout his lifetime is rare,” said Dr. David Schuller, director of the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital.
James, a native of Ohio, attended medical school at Ohio State and spent four years as a surgeon overseas during World War II. James then completed his medical training at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center–then known as Memorial Hospital–in New York City.
Returning to Columbus to join The Ohio State University Hospitals in 1947, James spent the next 35 years convincing community leaders, the state of Ohio and OSU of the need for a specialty cancer hospital.
After years of fundraising and campaigning, construction began in 1984 on what would be the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital. Six years later, the hospital treated its first cancer patients.
“Without Dr. James, this hospital simply would not exist,” said Dennis Smith, director of administration at the cancer hospital. “His memory and dedication will live on through this hospital and all that we achieve. We will continue to advance Dr. James’ vision of a world-class cancer hospital and research facility.”
The cancer hospital is the only one of OSU’s 41 Comprehensive Care Centers to be designated by the National Cancer Institute, and it is a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an association of cancer centers which develop and implement standardized care for patients.
“He was dedicated both to his patients and to the idea that cancer patients need separate, specialized care. Because of Dr. James’ commitment, many cancer patients from Ohio and beyond have benefited from having access to the latest treatments and the highest quality care available,” Schuller said. “I am truly honored to have known Dr. James and to have worked with such a gifted and caring man.”
Dr. James received many honors and accolades throughout his career. In 1972, he was named the national president of the American Cancer Society and was cited as one of the Top 10 Men in Columbus by the former Columbus Citizen Journal the following year. In 1987, he was one of 10 recipients of the national Horatio Alger Award, honoring distinguished Americans. The American Cancer Society presented James with its Medal of Honor for Clinical Research in 1990, and he received The OSU Alumni Medalist Award a year later. In October of 1997, he was named Columbus’ Outstanding Citizen during Columbus Day celebrations.
“We are proud this hospital bears the name of such an outstanding individual,” said Zuheir Sofia, chairman of the Board of Trustees for the cancer hospital. “Dr. James witnessed and initiated tremendous progress in cancer treatment during his lifetime. Through continued efforts in education and research, we will continue his legacy to win the fight against cancer.”
