Jim Price was a very dear friend of mine. I was honored to know him. He was every bit a kind gentle soul and a brilliant compassionate physician. St Louis has lost so much.

Service of Thanksgiving 
For the Life of 
James W. Price, M.D.

Sunday, November 14, 2010
2:00 p.m.
Webster Groves Christian Church

Prelude

Greeting

Invocation

Piano Solo  A Whiter Shade of Pale              David Lanz
Chuck Peery, pianist

Psalm 23 
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: 
He leadeth me beside the still waters. 
He restoreth my soul: 
He leadeth me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 
I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; 
Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Words of Remembrance 

Scripture Reading                   Romans 8:31-39

Meditation                    Jeff Moore

Piano Solo  Return to the Heart               David Lanz
Chuck Peery, pianist

Invitation to the Lord’s Table

Elder’s Prayer               John Gerdes        

The Lord’s Supper       
All are invited to share in Christ’s meal.  Please take and eat the bread as it is passed to you.  Please take the cup and hold it until everyone has been served, and we will receive it together.

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Hymn   In the Bulb There Is A Flower       CH 638

Prayer

Benediction

Postlude
*CH stands for Chalice Hymnal
_________________________________________________________

Light refreshments will be served in the library outside Love Chapel immediately following the service.

Eulogy for Jim Price November 14, 2010
Written by Laura Stuetzer, read by Cathy Stuetzer Barker

Jim loved trivia.  He liked the civil war.  Both Heather and I have sworn off visiting any more civil war battlefields….I mean, after all, they just look like green hills and valleys, right?  But it was not only civil war trivia; he loved ALL KINDS of trivia.  And Jim was the “date” man.  He remembered dates for all sorts of things, which constantly amazed me.  I spent a good part of the past 2 days looking for the book where I had jotted notes of when I first met him so I could find that date.  Organized as I am, I could not find it.  But Jim would not have needed that book.  He remembered the date of our first phone call to each other, our first date, and the date he proposed.

Whatever the date, I know I was blessed when God brought Jim and Heather into my life. Here I was, 40 years old, knowing I was destined to live as a single person.  And then... there he was, not only a truly kind, gentle and loving man, but one who came complete with a smiling, bright little girl...a girl who liked me because I played “Barbies” with her when we first met.  (I must admit, I am the culprit who taught her the sins of fireworks  -- the gentle kind -- like tanks that never quite make it to the end to the drive way before burning up -- and the ever popular killer bees).

Jim and I never had a fight.  The closest we came was once when he  told me he could fix the leaking pipe in the wall under the bathroom sink.  He was the man, so of course I believed him.  However, I was doubtful enough that I left the house for a few hours.  While there were some raised voices when I returned, we never really fought as we called the plumber.

Jim was often called a quiet man.  And with some he was quieter than others.  He was always “tuned in”, and never spoke until he had something to say.  In his professional life, he would consider the discussion, listening attentively, and then come forth with well reasoned- comments.  

Jim loved being a physician.  He loved caring for patients, using his knowledge and skills to face the medical and psycho-social challenges of family medicine to help patients and families.  And he loved teaching.  After the residency at Forest Park Hospital closed, Jim would have continued to teach if the right position had crossed his desk.  

Jim was respected by his colleagues.  So respected that the roasts his residents did at the end of each class year were spot-on, done with humor and honor and thanks to the man who could write a memo longer than most proclamations.  But Jim was a man of detail, one who wanted to be perfectly clear.

His love of medicine and teaching and attention to detail -- those are the traits that took him to his role of medical director at Group Health Plan.  Jim and I talked about the big change this was for him.  He thought he would enjoy it and he truly did.  Long hours, lots of detail, but Jim was the guy for the job.  

I only heard about this job and never saw him in action.  But I do know that he always tried to follow the rules for the plans and be fair.  It hurt me to hear stories of how some extremely specialized physicians would call him to appeal a case and then demand to know what type of physician he was, getting huffy and haughty when he calmly replied, “family medicine.” I told him his real response should have been, “I am an excellent physician, just as I presume you to be. Now let’s continue our discussion.”

Jim and I did not have a formal church life for most of our married lives.  But I felt that tug to church, and Jim and I joined Webster Groves Christian Church in July 2009…he, of course, would remember the exact date.  Being members of this wonderful congregation has enriched both of our lives; and we never once regretted giving up our quiet Sunday mornings in order to spend more formal time with God.  Thank you, God, for bringing us here.

Jim always knew what to say to make me smile and laugh. He had the dry, Price humor that appreciated the high intellect of the pun and double entendre humor.  During our road trips to Louisiana or Kentucky, we often listened to comedy radio, George Burns and Bob Newhart being two of our favorites.  And I love spending time in Kentucky at family gatherings.  There is always an abundance of that dry, clever wit and lots of laughter.  Some of that laughter will be gone now and there will be more sadness at those gatherings.  But laughter and love will win out and good memories will add to new joys.

When Jim became ill, I slept at the hospital and then at home with him before he went back to the hospital. I would lie awake, mentally drafting a short story called “the evenness of his snore.”  I could not go to sleep until I heard that quiet little, “puff, puff, puff, “knowing that he was resting.  Whenever he woke up during the night, I woke up, and once again, I remained awake until he snored.

I have suffered several big losses in my life, life wrenching, big-crying, sobs-at-night kinds of losses.  And thru them all, Jim was right there next to me, holding me, supporting me, and making it better.  But this is the big one for me, and he is not here.  There is no hug. There is no holding.  He is not lying awake next to me to hear the not-so-gentleness of my snore.

I am very sad.  But I am also very happy, because I had Jim in my life for 18-plus years.  We enjoyed our lives together and never waited until we retired to do the things we wanted to do.  We traveled; we enjoyed and loved our family and friends in ordinary and special times. Because of Jim, I have more family that includes the best young woman anyone could hope to call her stepdaughter, two-sister-in-laws, a brother-in-law, and a niece.  I think God knew I would not have Jim as long as I would have liked -- because he gave me the whole package all as one.

Jim loved Heather SO MUCH.  He looked forward to her calls, to hearing her rather long and involved stores of prison life (for those of you who do not know, she WORKS in a prison, on the "right" side of the bars!) and the complications in the lives of her friends.  When she first moved to Louisiana to go to college, he loved the calls where she would want to discuss class issues.  He was extremely proud of her and happy for her in life.  There was a real smile on his face and lilt in his voice when Bryan called to ask for Heather’s hand in marriage.  We both knew that Bryan was the one.  A truly nice guy, we said.

And that is why I fell in love with and continue to love Jim.  Not because he was smart and witty and detailed, but because he was a truly nice guy.  My guy.  

Every morning before he left for work and on the weekends as we woke, we would kiss and say "I love you".  Every night, we would kiss - and I would say to him, “I love you, dear”, and he would say “And I you.”  I miss this.  I miss Jim, the man I love. 

 I miss the evenness of his snore.

My deepest sympathies go out to Jim's family and loved ones.  The Price family has been a part of my family for my entire life.  My heart goes out to all of his loved ones.  You are in my prayers.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your Family.
Classmate of  1972.

 My prayers and thoughts are with the family. Jimmy Wayne will be missed.
 With deepest sympathy,
 Annabel Crouch

Our sympathy, love and prayers are with you all during this sad time.

TO JIM PRICE'S FAMILY; JIM WILL BE MISSED!  HE WAS AND IS A GREAT FRIEND, GREAT MAN, GREAT FATHER, GREAT HUSBAND, AND GREAT PHYSICIAN!  MAY GOD GRANT YOU PEACE! I WILL MISS YOU MY FRIEND!  JOHN AND BARB YETTER

TO JIM'S FAMILY; MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES TO YOU DURING THIS PAINFUL TIME! MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND JIM! JIM WAS A GREAT PHYSICIAN AND FRIEND! I WILL MISS HIS DEDICATION TO FAMILY MEDICINE!

Frank and I have been remembering James with many fond memories over the last several days.   He was a gentle person with an incredible wit and intelligence. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure to meet him.
Laura, you and your family have our deepest sympathy and are in our prayers.
Dixie and Frank Solomon (high school friends and classmates).

Frank and I have been remembering Jim over the last several days with many fond memories.  He was a gentle person, with a tremendous wit and intelligence.  He will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure to meet him.
Dixie and Frank Solomon
(High school friends and classmates)
Harrison County High Class of 1972.

Our deepest sympathies during this very difficult time.  My fondest memory of James was his wit.  It is obvious he touched many lives with his kindness, compassion and wit.  Your family is in our prayers.  Classmates of 1972

My deepest sympathies to the entire Price family.  Dr. Price was wonderful to work with at Group Health Plan and displayed a balanced mixture of compassion, hard work, and a sense of humor.  During this time of sorrow, may the gentle presence of friends and the caring love of family help to comfort you.

Christie Rawie RN, St. Peters, Missouri

Dr. Price was an inspiration to all of us in the Family Medicine Residency Program.  I always admired his compassion as well as his wealth of knowledge.  He gave everyone an opportunity to learn and grow.  He laughed at our craziness and encouraged us to be the doctors we have become who truly care about our patients.  I would like his family to know that he will be missed and you all will be in my prayers.

My sincere sympathies to Mrs. Price, Heather and the entire Price family. I worked with Dr. Price at Group Health Plan and he always had to time to help people, answer questions, or solve a problem - with a kind manner and sense of humor.  He will be missed by everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with you. 
Laurel Ruzas RN, St. Louis, Missouri

Dear Dr. Price,
you will be very missed and never forgotten.  Thank you for everything that you have given to us.  Bless you and your family.

Mark pelikan

Dr. Price was the smartest family doctor I have ever met.  He brought leadership and stability to my residency. His practice management classes were invaluable and a unique residency experience.  I did not realize the importance of his teachings until I started my private practice.  Dr. Price encouraged a mix of caring but also learning how to function in the medical system.  I am forever in his debt for his guidance and sharing of his knowledge with me.

Dr. Price gave our son an outstanding learning experience in his Family Medicine residency. We often heard of his dedication and hard work. 

Dr. C. S. Mitchell
Shiloh, IL

Dear Laura, my heartfelt condolences to you and your family. It was a privilege to get training under a great physician like Dr. Price. I will always remember him as great teacher and a wonderful man.

Laura and family

We keep you all in our thoughts and prayers today and into the future during this time of loss and pain. As we all know the sun comes up again and by your side we shall be there for you. Jim was a person loved by many if we could only be half as treasured as he was we would likewise be blessed.

Sincerely

Dr. Price,
As you embark on your next journey, please know that you have been a great teacher and mentor to us- your residents at the Deaconess Hospital/ Family Medicine of St. Louis Residency Program. Having shared your expertise in Practice Management with us will endure  way after you are gone.
Thank you for being a part of our formation as physicians.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Dear Laura, Rita Carole and Steven,
Sharryn and I are saddened by the news of Jim's death. Our prayers are with you all. We love you!

Laura, I just met you last week while we were getting our nails done and you shared Jim's story.  I was very touched and have been praying for him and your family.  Teresa called me today and told me about his passing.  Please accept my deepest sympathy and continuing prayers.

Dear Laura,

I was stunned and very sad to hear of Jim's passing. I've been thinking of you and Heather over the last few days and I'm praying for you. Laura, many people love you and care about you and clearly Jim was cherished and loved over his life by many friends, colleagues  and family members. I hope you will lean on all us to help you carry your grief over these next few days, months and years to come. 

With much love and many prayers,
Jane Cridland (PA Class of 1992)

Dear Laura and Heather,
My sincerest condolences to you and the family.  It was an honor and privilege to work for and with Dr. Price.  Everyday was a pleasure.  His consistent good nature and even disposition, patience, generosity, and exceptional depth and breadth of knowledge have enriched my life forever.  As I thought about Jim last night two things kept crossing my mind.  (1) In my 43 years in the workforce, he is the only person I have worked for that never once made a negative remark or complaint about his/her spouse.  Not even so much as she overcooked the meatloaf, she loses her keys, nothing.  Always, he spoke with love and pride.  (2) I keep remembering a quote from Leo Tolstoy who said "I have found that it is the people who seem the most extraordinary that are actually the most ordinary; and it is the people who seem the most ordinary who are the most extraodinary."  Jim was a quiet, unassuming man who did not require attention or accolades. And yet, he was a brilliant clinician, teacher, role model, colleague, and friend who greatly impacted so many people's lives in the most positive way.  He was truly an extraordinary man.  I will miss our conversations, his kindness, and his wonderful sense of humor.  But, I am a better person for having known him.  He is where he belongs, living with the King of Kings.

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Sending my sympathy and prayers to each of you during this sad time. Dr.Price had such a bright mind, and kind manner. I will miss working with him at GHP. 
Prayerfully,

Laura,  Words cannot begin to express our sorrow. You are in our thoughts and prayers my dear friend.  I am so thankful that you met this wonderful man. You will have life-long memories of him that will provide some comfort in the years to come.  Please let us know if there is anything that we can do for you at this difficult time. Keely and Harold

I am so very sorry to hear of Jim's death. He was such a kind, sweet & funny person. He actually is one of my favorite memories from high school as a truely good friend. I am holding your family in my heart and in my prayers. So sorry for your loss.Classmate of 1972

Jim was always a very caring person throughout Junior High and Senior High.  My prayers are with you,Laura, and your family.  May God bless.

My sincere condolences during this time of loss. May the love of God bring you comfort.  Classmate of 1972

My thoughts and prayers are with the family.

My dear friend Laura, I can not express how much sadness I have in my heart for you. Jim will be missed by all. My thought and prayers are with and Heather. 

Teresa Sweeney

Dear Laura,
I am so very, very sorry to learn of Jim's passing.  My fondest memory of Jim is the first time I met him at an ARC-PA meeting.  The meeting had many serious and controversial agenda items, and Jim's restrained feistiness showed through in our deliberations!  Know that you and your family are being held tightly in my prayers.  
Your colleague and friend, Pat Dieter

 Laura keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Dear Laura, Ann and I are deeply saddened. There are so many memories I
have of Jim throughout grade school, junior highschool, highschool, college,
and medical school. It is a rare situation to share so much history with one
person. Jim brought goodness to all that he did and we are less with his loss.
You are in our thoughts and prayers and we hope to speak to you soon. We are sincerely thankful we were able to spend the time we did with you and Jim.
Yours in sadness, Thomas C Thornberry MD

Dear Laura:

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I am very sorry to hear of your loss.

Matt

Dr. Price was wonderful to work with...a kind hearted man who will be sorely missed in our office.  Mrs. Price, Heather and Family, I extend my most sincere condolences and heartfelt prayers.  May the Lord's precious promises bring you strength for today and hope for tomorrow.

Dear Laura and Family,  My thoughts and prayers are with you.  I have added some photos of Jim at some of the commission meetings.  I hope you enjoy them!

Sincere condolences to the Price family during this difficult time.

Laura,
I am so very sory to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Diana Easton

Dear Laura:
I was so sad to hear about your JIm.  My thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Diane Perino

Laura, my dear friend,
We are holding you in our thoughts and prayers. Jim was a kind and gentle man with smiling eyes. In the ARC-PA meetings I attended, Dr. Price was respected by all. While he was a man of few words, when he spoke, everyone listened. He will be missed, yet he leaves behind so many good memories. Wishing you strength during this difficult time. Love, Lynneia and Ed

In 1972 a beautiful tree flourished and bloomed bringing forth new life, hopes, and dreams; today, one of our leaves have fallen to the ground only to fertilize the beauty of our great earth, but in time others will follow.  Until then, the majesty and grace of 72 still continue too glow. We all will miss you James, and we send a very special prayer to your wife, children,family members, and dear friends.  Remember the love and joy you all shared with this wonderful man and indeed he will live forever in your hearts.  God Bless you all! 

 A former classmate, Delisa Rankins

Laura & Heather,

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear family there words are sometimes inadequate at times like these. Dr Price was a coworker at Group Health Plan. Every opportunity was a teachable moment. A gentle spirit with a great sense of humor. We share your loss but he is in a good place. The presence of the Holy Spirit will comfort you during this time.  Terryl Williams, Concurrent Review Nurse, Group Health Plan

Dear Family of Dr.Price:  Our prayers are with you all, he was a wonderful man, teacher, and friend.  He will be missed in so many ways.  May the Lord be with you and comfort your family.

Our deepest sympathy to you at this time of loss.
Classmates of 1972

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Dear Laura, May you and all of Jim's loved ones feel God's love and peace at this very difficult time. We are saddened to hear that the love of your life is gone from this earth. Hold tight to the wonderful memories the two of you made together...All that you shared. Praying that you will feel God's grace and that you will be strengthened in the coming days. You are our "forever" friend. Love...

Dear Laura and Family:  Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this trying time, and we offer our sincere condolences.  May God be with you and bring comfort to you all.

So sorry to hear of your lose. I graduated with James in '72. He was a wonderful & kind person. My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.

Dear family of Dr. Price. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Dr. Price was such a wonderful person to work with; his love of teaching and medicine came through everyday here at GHP. What a kind and thoughtful person I found him to be. With deepest sympathy, Cheryl M.

Dear Family, You have our love and support as you honor and remember Jim.  Steve and Pat, please be safe in your travels.  We pray for God's peace among you this weekend.  Blessings,

Dear, dear Laura - my loving thoughts are with you.
Sandy Hoops

Laura keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Laura and family,  please accepted my prayers in your time of sorrow.  Jim was a wonderful man and will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.   It was easy to see the love that Laura and Jim had for each other and I know you all with have wonderful memories of his kindness and wit.   Please know that I am thinking about you.   Gloria, Clark, and Bevan

Laura and Family -- My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours during this difficult time.  Jim was a great teacher to me as a new commissioner.  His laugh and sense of humor will be sorely missed at future commission meetings.

Thinking of you Laura, and your whole family as you say good bye to Jim.  I so enjoyed the conversations I had with Jim about Ky roots.  We will keep you in our Holiday prayers.  With deepest sympathy. Jen Joyce and Mary Karen

Dear Laura and family,  My sincere condolences to you all.  You are in my prayers.  Jim was a good colleague on the Commission and I always appreciated his assistance and seeing him at the meetings, even in his spousal role.  He will be missed.

OBITUARY

James W. Price M.D.

July 30, 1954 – November 9, 2010

Hoffmeister Colonial Mortuary

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