James A Bryant

Born on December 30, 1946, in St. Joseph, Michigan, Jim was the son of Arthur E. and Nell (Keith) Bryant. He grew up in New Carlisle, Ohio, where he developed the quiet determination, compassion, and love of learning that would define both his career and his life.

Jim earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Wright State University in 1969 before graduating from the Loma Linda University School of Medicine in California in 1973. He completed his internship at Kettering Memorial Hospital before completing a two-year pediatric residency at Good Samaritan Hospital in Cincinnati.

For nearly five decades, Jim dedicated his life to the care of children and their families. Beginning his career in 1976 and continuing until his retirement from Ohio Pediatrics in 2022, he spent 46 years serving generations of children and families throughout the Miami Valley. He joined The Pediatric Group, Inc. in Dayton in 1976 and, in 1986, founded Ohio Pediatrics, Inc., where he built a respected practice that cared for generations of families throughout the region.

A gifted physician and dedicated leader, Jim’s influence reached far beyond his own practice. From 1978 to 1986, he served as Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Miami Valley Hospital. He was President of the Western Ohio Pediatric Society from 1983 to 1984 and served as Chief of Staff at Dayton Children’s Hospital from 1987 to 1990. He was also one of the founding members of the Dayton Children’s Hospital Health Partners Board, serving two years as Chairman.

In 1995, Jim was appointed by Governor George V. Voinovich as Chief of the Ohio Bureau for Children with Medical Handicaps. Throughout his years in private practice, Jim developed a special interest in promoting the health and well-being of children with special healthcare needs. He was devoted to improving systems of care that were family-centered, coordinated, comprehensive, and community-based, believing every child deserved access to compassionate, high-quality care close to home.

Although he accepted this statewide leadership role, he never wanted to step away from caring for patients. Throughout his 15 years as Bureau Chief, he devoted four days each week to leading the Bureau while continuing to practice pediatrics one day each week, allowing him to remain connected to the children and families who inspired his life’s work. His passion for caring for children with special needs also led him to serve for more than 20 years as the contract physician for Heinzerling Community in Columbus, providing care for children and adults with severe developmental disabilities. Following his service with the Bureau, he returned full-time to Ohio Pediatrics, Inc. He also served as President of the Montgomery County Medical Society from 2004 to 2005.

In 2011 he received the Alan D. Shafer, MD Distinguished Service Award, and in 2013 he was honored with the Wallace B. Taggart Award, Dayton Children’s highest physician honors.

While medicine was his life’s work, family was always his greatest joy. Jim shared 55 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Brenda. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and adventure. He loved boating, fishing, hiking, visiting museums, and attending performances by the Dayton Philharmonic. He also enjoyed being a longtime season ticket holder for Wright State University basketball games. Most of all, he treasured sharing these experiences with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Jim was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose steady presence brought comfort and stability to those around him. He led with humility, integrity, wisdom, and unwavering kindness. Never one to seek the spotlight, he listened carefully, spoke thoughtfully, and earned the deep respect of those who knew him. His love was shown not through grand gestures, but through his steadfast presence, thoughtful guidance, and lifelong service to others.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Brenda Bryant; his children, Jason A. Bryant, M.D. (Joanne Bryant) of Bexley, Ohio, Adam J. Bryant of Miamisburg, and Elizabeth Bryant (Brendan Hogarth) of Miamisburg; his cherished grandchildren, Miles, Eloise, Orla, and Nash Bryant; his brother, Arthur W. Bryant, DMD USA, COL (Ret) (Barbara) of San Antonio, Texas; his niece, Jennifer Bryant; and his nephews, Kevin (Sarah) Bryant and Joseph (Amanda) Bryant.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur E. and Nell Bryant, and his infant sister, Sharon Kay Bryant.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at Kettering Adventist Church, 3939 Stonebridge Road, Kettering, Ohio. A meal and time of fellowship will immediately follow the service. Church members, friends, and family are warmly invited to attend as they gather to celebrate Jim’s life, his enduring faith, and the remarkable legacy he leaves behind.

Jim’s legacy lives on in the generations of children whose lives were enriched by his care, the physicians and healthcare professionals he mentored and inspired, and the family who loved him beyond measure. His kindness, wisdom, humility, and unwavering dedication to children will continue to be felt for generations to come. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Parkinson Support and Wellness at parkinsoncincinnati.org and parkinsonfoundation.org , Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) at breakthrought1d.org , or DDC Clinic Center for Special Needs Children at ddcclinic.org

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.gebhartschmidtparramore.com