Dr. Stringfield, Sr.

James King Stringfield known as "Doctor Jim" passed away on Thursday, December 8, 2011, after a period of extended declining health. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Dorothy "Dot" Richeson Stringfield who died in 2008. He is survived by a son Jim and his wife, Donna, of Salisbury, NC, son John and his wife Judy of Waynesville and son Dan and his partner Bernie Horan of San Diego, California. He's also survived by 6 grandchildren (all Stringfields): Sarah of New York City, Sam of Charleston, SC, Laura of Madrid, Spain, Anna of Phoenix, Az, Jake of Los Angeles, Ca and Katy of Waynesville. Jim was born on June 20, 1922 in Waynesville. He attended Waynesville Township High where he was an All-State tackle on the football team and played in the 1939 Shrine Bowl game between all-stars from North and South Carolina. Following graduation, he spent one year at the Darlington School for college preparatory work. While there he also lettered in football and was selected for the conference all-stars. He then attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he lettered in football. His studies at Chapel Hill were interrupted when he enlisted in the Navy when America entered World War II. He participated in the D-Day invasion of Normandy, operating a landing craft ferrying troops to the shore. His family knows very little of his part in World War II as Jim preferred not to discuss his wartime experiences. Following the end of the war, Jim completed his studies at Chapel Hill and then enrolled in medical school at Thomas Jefferson in Philadelphia, Pa. Midway through medical school, he married Dorothy Virginia Richeson, clearly the love of his life. After medical school, the couple moved to Durham, NC where Jim did his residency at Watts Hospital. When his residency was completed, the couple returned to Waynesville where he went into private practice with his older brother, Tom. Dr. Jim practiced medicine in a different era than today. He made frequent house calls to patients who were too ill to travel to his office. He actually enjoyed these visits as he felt you really got to know your patients when you saw them in their own homes. Patients who worked during the day would often stop by Dr. Jim's private home after office hours if they could not take time off during the day. In the early days of his practice, Dr. Jim would deliver babies and assist in surgery. As specializations in medicine became more common and malpractice insurance begin to rise dramatically, Dr. Jim reluctantly gave up obstetrics and surgery. Dr. Jim was beloved by his patients for his kind, gentle nature. He developed a reputation for taking patients other doctors would not take due to their inability to pay. Jim worked out creative financing with many, many patients, taking payment in the form of crops raised – potatoes, apples, corn, etc – or game that the patient had killed – squirrels, venison and, once, bear. Dr. Jim retired from private practice in the 1980's as he grew weary of increasing burden of insurance paperwork. In retirement, Jim focused on his lifetime hobby of gardening. He had a large garden in his backyard and delighted in reviewing seed catalogs and trying out new hybrids each year. He was also a lifelong fan of his alma mater, The University of North Carolina, closely following the progress of the football and basketball teams each season. When his beloved wife, Dot, died, much of Jim's enthusiasm for living died with her. Jim lived out the rest of his life very quietly, turning increasingly inward. The family would like to thank Dan Southern and especially Dale King for their care and love for Dr. Jim in his final years. The family would also like to thank the staff of Autumn Care and the staff and volunteers with Hospice for their gentle care. A private family graveside service was held and a memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, December 22, 2011 at First United Methodist Church of Waynesville. Reverend Sanford L. Giles, Jr. will officiate. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to First United Methodist Church of Waynesville P.O. Box 838, Waynesville, NC 28786. Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville is in charge of arrangements.

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