James L. Curtis
October 26, 1922 - June 23, 2014
Obituary
Curtis, James L.
MADISON–James L. Curtis, age 91, died at his daughter’s home on the morning of Monday, June 23, 2014. He was born in Viroqua, Wis., on Oct. 26, 1922, the son of the late Carl Curtis and Ora Abbott Curtis. James was raised by his maternal grandparents, Leroy and Althea (Sewell) Abbott, in Wilton, Wis. He graduated from Wilton High School in 1939 and attended LaCrosse State Teachers College and Haverford College in Pennsylvania before graduating from medical school at George Washington University in 1949. Jim completed his residency in ophthalmology at Tulane University in New Orleans in 1952. He then served as a physician in the U.S. Air Force, earning membership in the Society of USAF Flight Surgeons and was inducted as a member of the Space Medicine Branch of the Aerospace Medical Association, providing ophthalmologic services for the astronauts until he retired as a Lt. Colonel in 1965. Jim then continued his medical career in civilian life as the chief of Ophthalmology at the Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Penn., until his final retirement in 1987. Jim is survived by his daughter, Susan J. Curtis; son-in-law, Carl Johnson of Madison; and his granddaughter, Leah Curtis Jeedas of Boston Mass. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Anne Brazelle Curtis; and his sister, Eltha Curtis Briggs. The family would like to recognize the staff at Agrace HospiceCare and Dr. Douglas Kutz for their compassionate care and advocacy during his final days. He will be fondly remembered for his gentle and gentlemanly demeanor by all whose lives he touched. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Dr.
(608) 221-5420
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Memories
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Sr. Marguerite Hruby
Other •
Susan,
Our hearts are saddened by your loss. We remember your father's kind soul. Please know we keep you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Sr. Marguerite & Sr. Elizabeth Ann
Maria Joseph Manor
Danville, PA
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Jill Karchner
Other •
To the family of Dr. Curtis, I send my condolences. I never had the opportunity to work with Dr. Curtis. He left the Department of Ophthalmology at Geisinger prior to my arrival. I wanted to tell you that he set a strong standard that I believe is being upheld still. As our department grows and expands across the service line, it is the foundation that was set forth by leaders such as Dr. Curtis that helped stir us to where we are today. Thank you for the years you shared him with us. Jill Karchner RN, Dept of Geisinger Ophthalmology.
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Susan Fetterman
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Dear Sue and family - You are in my thoughts and prayers. I had the honor of working with Dr. Curtis as he transitioned the department directorship to Dr. Notz at Geisinger Medical Center. He was a terrific physician leader for the department and continued working with residents and staff for several years. I will always remember his kindness to me as a new clinic nurse leader coming from critical care to the outpatient department of Ophthalmology. He helped "show me the ropes" and make sure the patients saw the right physician for the right clinical reason. His portrait continues to hang in the Opthalmology department and he is remembered as a friend and colleague. As Jill said- thank you for sharing him with us! Susan Fetterman RN, Geisinger Health System
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Denise Toczylousky
Other •
To the family of Dr. Curtis,
I had a pleasure of knowing your father when he lived at the Meadows in Danville. He was such a kind man. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Denise Toczylousky
Campus Activity Director
Maria Joseph Continuing Care Community
Danville, PA