James Marion Holbert, Jr.

James Marion Holbert, Jr., M.D., Ph.D.(2), MBA, passed away unexpectedly on January 10, 2014 at the age of 68 in his home in Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. Holbert, the son of Dr. James M. Holbert, Sr. and Jean Mehan Holbert, was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He is predeceased by his parents and his brother, Thomas Holbert, and he is survived by his wife of 45 years, Madeline Jane Holbert, and his daughter, Madeline Jean Holbert.

Dr. Holbert was a true philomath. His academic career began at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Science. At Duke, Dr. Holbert excelled in both academics and athletics. He was honored as an Iron Duke, lettering in football, wrestling, and track and field. Dr. Holbert was also a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and Sigma Xi honor society.

Dr. Holbert earned his M.D. at the University of Tennessee in Memphis and completed Ph.D. degrees in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Health Science Center at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Dr. Holbert earned a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the Fogelman College of Business and Economics in Memphis. In addition to these accomplishments, Dr. Holbert also became board certified in twelve medical specialties.

During his professional career, Dr. Holbert served in multiple capacities at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, such as Chief of Hematology and President of the Staff. Dr. Holbert also opened a private practice, Hematology/Immunology Consultants, PLLC, where he frequently saw patients who had traveled from all around the world to seek his expertise. Dr. Holbert cared deeply for his patients and did everything in his power to provide them with the best possible care and to advocate on their behalves. He was renowned for his dedication and was known for rounding in the hospital until the early hours of the morning to ensure that he personally observed all of his patients every day. He was an excellent clinician and diagnostician, and he was loved by his patients.

Dr. Holbert lived life to its fullest. He was an artist, an athlete, an animal lover, an avid scuba diver, a healer, a scholar, a husband, and a father. He was witty and charming and caring, and he had an infectious sense of humor. He loved his family, he loved his dogs, and he loved learning. We are grateful for the opportunity to have known him.

A memorial service for Dr. Holbert will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 15, at the Church of Holy Communion with a reception following. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you remember Dr. Holbert with a donation to either St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.