Dr. James Cecil Hoffman Jr.

Dr. James (Jim) Hoffman, a highly respected and trusted neuroradiologist at the Emory University School of Medicine, died on November 1, 2026, at his home in Johns Creek after several years of failing health. He was 91.

Over decades in the Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Dr. Hoffman specialized in neuroradiology particularly in imaging of the brain and spine. Before modern advancements in treating brain aneurysms, Dr. Hoffman ordered balloons and catheters from France and, with nerves of steel, inserted them into the brain to keep the aneurysm from rupturing. As a professor, he generously shared his skills and insights with generations of students, residents and fellows who were fortunate to study under him.

James Cecil Hoffman, Jr. was the only child born to Clara Ewing Hoffman and James Cecil Hoffman on July 7, 1935, in McGehee, Arkansas. He grew up on a soybean and cotton farm but did not aspire to a career in agriculture. He attended the University of Arkansas and the University of Arkansas Medical School graduating in 1960. In the early years of his career in the medical field, he was a physician in the U.S. Navy and received his Radiology Training at Grady Memorial Hospital.

As hard as Dr. Hoffman worked, he also played. During his working years, he had great discipline to work out every day at lunchtime—either swimming, running or in the gym—and continued that routine in retirement until he became ill. He loved traveling and enjoyed several Backroads hiking and biking trips in England. He was also an avid and accomplished golfer at the Atlanta Athletic Club, was partial to red Porches until he graduated to an SUV. He was known for his sharp mind and dry humor.

A stand-out hobby for Dr. Hoffman was assembling and flying radio control planes until he became even more fascinated with narrow gauge model trains. He was part of a group of about 10 train enthusiasts. Enthusiast might be an understatement. An estimated 80 percent of his basement was dedicated to a realistic replica of Durango, Colorado with the Rio Grand Western on one side and the Rio Grand Southern on the other. There were mountains, rivers, buildings, trees, tunnels and, of course, many engines and cabooses.

Dr. Hoffman also enjoyed season tickets to the Atlanta Falcons games and loved watching University of Georgia football even though his main affiliation to UGA was as a dog lover. The devoted owner of many Weimaraners over the years, he worked with the Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Athens. His most recent pet, Ilsa, is now back with her breeder.

He was a member of several medical societies including the American College of Radiology, American Society of Neuroradiology, the Southeastern Neurological Society (which he served as president), and the Radiological Society of North America.

Dr. Hoffman died on what would have been the 66th anniversary of his marriage to Judith Crow Hoffman who died in April. They met while she was a student at Emory University, one of the few women admitted in those years. He is survived by his brother-in-law George Crow of Spartanburg, South Carolina. Graveside services will take place on Friday, November 13 at 1 p.m. at Arlington Memorial Park, 201 Mount Vernon Hwy, Sandy Springs, GA 30328. To honor Dr. Hoffman, donations are suggested to https://gift.emory.edu/hoffmanscholarship.