David Robert Moomaw

Dr. David R. Moomaw, an internist and cardiologist who practiced medicine in Jacksonville for over fifty years, died peacefully at home on January 21, 2018. He was 93. David was born in Bulsar, India where his parents, Ira and Mabel Moomaw, were agricultural missionaries. His father founded the Vocational Training College Ankleshvar in the province of Gujarat. David’s childhood in India inspired his life of service and adventure. He completed his preparatory education at Woodstock International School in Landour, India, a British Raj-era hill station near the Tibetan border. With the Garhwal Himalayas in view, hiking and mountain climbing were natural sports, and at age 14, David joined an expedition to reach the Pindari Glacier. After moving to the United States at age 16, David attended Manchester College in Indiana. At Northwestern University School of Medicine, he received his M.D. degree and a Master of Science in experimental medicine, followed by a Holmes Research Fellowship in internal medicine. He served as a medical officer in the United States Air Force, holding the rank of captain, and was stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama, where he met Jeanne Rutherford Williams, his wife of 64 years.

David and Jeanne moved to Jacksonville, Florida in 1955, and David established his private practice in internal medicine. During the 1960s, as chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center, he helped organize the first coronary and intensive care units in the area. He was active in the development of the Jacksonville Health Education Programs and the Family Medicine Residency Program at St. Vincent’s. David served as a visiting medical consultant in Afghanistan with CARE/Medico in Kabul before the Soviet invasion. His medical career included appointments as assistant medical director of CSX and medical director of Capitus Financial, Inc. Following retirement from active medical practice in 1996, he provided volunteer patient care as director of the Healing Hands Medical Clinic and served on the board of WE CARE Jacksonville into his 80s.

Throughout his life, David continued to enjoy hiking, mountaineering, cross-country biking, gardening, and boating. He was an early member and cofounder of “Butt Busters,” a group of friends who backpacked, climbed, and cycled cross-country together on many wilderness expeditions. His adventures culminated in a trek in 1990 along the Kangshung Glacier to the east face of Everest. A trip to his childhood home in Ankleshvar with his wife Jeanne, brother Richard, and sister-in-law Vivian was also a highlight.

David loved music and movies. He played the violin. Throughout his time in Jacksonville, he enjoyed attending the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, and he was a founding member of the Riverside Fine Arts Association. He relished the beautiful music at his church, The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd.

David is survived by his wife Jeanne; three daughters Audrey Ainsworth, married to Dr. William N. Ainsworth, IV, Dr. Ellen Moomaw, and Fran Wulbern, married to Allan Wulbern; five grandchildren Corinne Ainsworth Hunter, married to Dr. Matt Hunter, William N. Ainsworth V, Becky Ainsworth Borger, married to The Reverend Justin Borger, Jack Wulbern, and Sims Wulbern; and five great grandchildren Taylor, Audrey, Esther, Bo, and David Loudon.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Music Fund at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, the Riverside Fine Arts Association, or WE CARE Jacksonville. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 1, 2018 at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd at 1100 Stockton Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32204.

HARDAGE-GIDDENS EDGEWOOD CHAPEL, 729 Edgewood Avenue South, Jacksonville, Florida 32205 is serving the family.