Jaime Pankowsky, M.D.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Jaime Pankowsky, M.D., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, who passed away on December 28, 2024, at the age of 97. He was born on August 2, 1927, in Santa Barbara, Mexico to Esther and David Pankowsky.

Dr. Pankowsky was a well respected and compassionate general surgeon, whose legacy extends far beyond his exemplary medical career to the many lives he touched with his passion for teaching, his love for adventure, and his unwavering dedication to the well-being of others. He received his medical degree in Mexico City, but worked diligently to obtain and complete residencies in the United States. Dr. Pankowsky was a respected member of the medical community, serving on various committees in the Texas and Bexar County Medical Society, working as a medical expert for the Social Security administration, and doing evaluations for the Texas Workers Compensation Commission. Even after retiring from surgery, he worked as a hospital medical director and received an MBA in healthcare. His contributions to the field of surgery, particularly in wound care, were profound. He was instrumental in assisting with establishing and the operation of hyperbaric wound care clinics in San Antonio, where his expertise helped countless patients heal and recover.

Outside of his medical practice, Dr. Pankowsky was an enthusiastic educator. He shared his vast knowledge with family, friends, and students at the Academy Learning and Retirement, where he taught history lessons, bringing history to life with his captivating stories and photographic memory. His curiosity and adventurous spirit made him a cherished mentor to all who had the privilege to learn from him.

Jaime's love for the ocean and nature was central to his life. An avid scuba diver, he spent countless hours exploring the underwater world, captivated by its beauty and mystery. He enjoyed traveling to far-off places, always seeking new adventures and experiences that broadened his understanding of the world. One of his most memorable experiences was doing a semester at sea with the University of Pittsburgh at the age of 71 where he traveled around the world on a ship. His travels not only deepened his love for animals and nature but also allowed him to connect with diverse cultures, leaving a lasting impact wherever he went.

Jaime had a deep love for music and for a time played the recorder with a group of friends. In spite of his inability to do it well, he loved to sing, especially in the car on family vacations, an endless source of laughter and teasing. Among his many talents, he had a great capacity for drawing, although he rarely displayed it, and he truly enjoy dancing with his beloved wife, Hannah. Together they took any opportunity to dance traditional Mexican and Israeli dances and even into old age, they both danced with abandon, grace and joy.

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Hanna Davison Pankowsky; and son, Dan Arieh Pankowsky, M.D. Jaime is survived by his daughter, Helen Pankowsky, M.D.; grandchildren, Jacob Alonso, Nathan Pankowsky, Shrit Pankowsky Eshed, Raquel Pankowsky; great-grandchildren, Nachson Pankowsky, Moses Pankowsky, Luz Alonso, Tzafaia Hanna Pankowsky; sister, Elena Rozenbaum; and numerous nieces and nephews who all love and respect him. Jaime's spirit of adventure, boundless curiosity, and kindness will live on in the memories of those who knew him.

He led a full and rich life, leaving his mark in the world and on many people who knew him. Even as his life is celebrated, he will be deeply missed.