Dr. Thomas James 1934-2026

Dr. Thomas P. James, radiologist and passionate sailor, passed away in Tidewell Hospice House in Venice on June 13. He was 92.

Tom and his wife, Nancy, who survives, have been longtime Boca Grande winter residents, spending their summers in Michigan. A funeral mass will be celebrated on August 29 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in South Lyon, Michigan at 11 a.m. Internment will be in the Sarasota National Cemetery.

Tom was born April 17, 1934, in Detroit to Mildred (Peabody) and Maurice D. James. He was a proud graduate of the University of Detroit High School in 1951. He earned a degree in biology from Holy Cross College and went on to earn his Doctor of Medicine in 1959 from the University of Michigan. He did his internship at Detroit Grace Hospital and radiology residency at Providence Hospital in Southfield, Michigan.

A founding member of Southfield Radiology, Tom practiced until 1985 at Providence, Hospital, where he was chief of radiology for 15 years. Tom was a lieutenant in the United States Navy from 1963 through 1965, serving as a radiologist at the U.S. Naval Base in Guantanamo Bay Cuba.

His love of boating developed at an early age. He was an oarsman at the Detroit Boat Club. Later, he enjoyed the adventure of moving his sailboat from Michigan down the East Coast to Florida, with side trips to the Bahamas.

His greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his children Victoria, Carolyn, Nancy, and Thomas (Katie). He is also survived by eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His brothers, William and Robert, and his grandson, Anthony, preceded him in death.

Tom was a wonderful doctor, husband, and father, who treasured his family and loved life, living it to the fullest. He will be sorely missed by his wife, children and friends.

Donations in Tom’s honor may be made to the Boca Grande Health Clinic or Tidewell Hospice House in Sarasota.

April 17, 1934 – June 13, 2026