James Knox Van Arsdale (Pat) Willson

On Sunday, July 28, 2019, James Knox Van Arsdale Willson (Pat), loving husband and father of three children, eight grand children and four great grand children died peacefully at home at the age of 96 with his wife, Katherine, of 74 years by his side.

Pat was born in Atlanta, Georgia, to Suzanne Van Arsdale and William Henry Willson and grew up in South Georgia on a pecan farm. He was an extraordinary person. Described by many as wise, kind, accepting inquisitive, loving, thoughtful, fair, and funny. He was a beloved patriarch of his 4-generation family. To have known Pat, was to know that above all, his wife Katherine was the sun around which he revolved.

He was educated at Baylor School in Chattanooga and Emory College in Atlanta before attending Johns Hopkins Medical School in Baltimore where he served as Chief Resident of Radiology. He often said, “Since I was 5 years old, I wanted to be a doctor. I never wanted to do anything else.”

Dr. Willson’s career began in the Navy serving at the U.S. Naval Academy Hospital from 1947 to 1949. He was on the Radiology staff at the Mobile Infirmary from 1962 to 1992, serving as department Chair from 1980 to 1986. During this 30-year career in Mobile, he made numerous original contributions to the procedures and instruments used in the diagnosis of lung disease and in angiography. These inventions resulted in four patents and being awarded the highly acclaimed Silver Medal from the American Roentgen Ray Society for “A Guided Brush for Bronchial Brush Biopsy”. Another invention, his Variable Stiffness Guidewire, is still in use today. In addition to these scientific contributions, he brought the highest quality of radiological services to patients and their physicians.

During his retirement years, Pat and Kathy’s Westie, Barney, brought them much joy. They shared their time between living on the Chesapeake Bay and Mobile while, also, enjoying travel with friends and family.

Dr. Willson is survived by his wife Katherine and their three children and families:

James K. V. Willson Jr. (Linda), James K. V. Willson III, Linden Bruce Willson (Alicia),

Mateo Bruce Willson, Ella Marie Willson;

Stuart Lindsay Willson (Stella), Jonathan Anderson Early Willson, Zachary Andrew Lindsay Willson;

Katherine Willson Ostberg (Preben), Kirsten Ostberg, Annelise Ostberg (Levi Radcliffe), Oden Patrick Erik Radcliffe, Maximus John Radcliffe, Erik William Ostberg, Christian Bowen Ostberg.

And, Jane Moseley who is a cherished and supportive friend.

The family would like to thank Legacy Health for the invaluable care they provided the last few years, in particular, Mrs. Pat Jackson, Kim Williams, and Felisha Bagsby.

A celebration of life will be held Thursday, August 1 at 3:00 PM at 6720 Somerby Lane for family members and friends.