Dr. Jerome Albert Ecker Sr.

We celebrate the life of Dr. Jerome Albert Ecker, Sr. (September 20, 1919–March 10, 2014). Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Ecker grew up during the Great Depression of the 1920’s and 30’s learning the value of hard work and frugality. A member of Sigma Chi and Phi Beta Kappa Fraternities at Ohio Weslyan University, Dr. Ecker graduated to attend Case Western Reserve Medical School where he served as Chief Resident and was honored by Alpha Omega Alpha Fraternity. Upon graduation toward the end of WWII, Dr. Ecker served our Country providing medical care during the occupation of Berlin, meeting and caring for international military leaders and their families. He then returned to his native roots to work at the Cleveland Clinic, where he worked in the Divisions of Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine. Matriculating to California in the 1950’s, Dr. Ecker went to work at the Santa Barbara Medical Clinic. Caring for the occasional celebrity as well as those residing in the central California community, Dr. Ecker brought a unique blend of compassion and learning to patients and staff. Writing many articles in the gastrointestinal literature and participating in the Pacific Interurban Clinical Club, Dr. Ecker contributed to the medical community both nationally and internationally, a fact of which he was most proud. Toward the end of his career, Dr. Ecker brought his medical knowledge back to the troops where it began, working for the Veterans Administration prior to retirement.

Dr. Ecker was a caring and compassionate family man. Fond of baseball, reading history and walking in the mountain foothills and on the beach, Dr. Ecker is remembered by his family as a wise and compassionate father who was dearly loved. Friends saw him as someone always looking for the good in people he knew and met. Professional acquaintances saw a caring and kind friend and physician dedicated to the wellbeing of patients.

Dr. Ecker leaves behind 10 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Lukens Ecker; daughters Laurie, Maureen, and Sherrie, as well as son Jerome Jr.

Dr. Ecker will be dearly missed by his family, and also by the many patients and friends with whom he kept in contact for many years.

Services will be private.