Avis de décès de James-Wendell Davis - Nécrologie - MesAieux.com

AUGUSTA -- Dr. James Wendell Davis, 84, died Thursday, Dec. 15, 2011, at MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta. He was born at home on Aug. 22, 1927, in Tulsa, Okla., the oldest son of George and Gladys (Snodgrass) Davis.A graduate of Will Rogers High School, Wendell earned his bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of Tulsa (Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity) and earned a master of science and Ph.D. in biochemistry from Oregon State University (Phi Kappa Phi Scholastic Honorary fraternity). He worked at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory as a biochemist for three years before joining the faculty of St. Louis University School of Medicine. Wendell taught and conducted research at SLU for 40 years as a professor of biochemistry and molecular biology.After teaching biochemistry to medical students for 30 years, Wendell started a new career developing the Office of Environmental Safety at SLU and served as its director until his retirement in 1997 at the age of 70. On his retirement, he was appointed emeritus professor of biochemistry and molecular biology and emeritus director of environmental safety. Wendell was a 50-year member of the American Chemical Society and the American Society of Biochemistry.While an instructor of chemistry at University of Tulsa, Wendell met his future wife, Dorothy Gayle Bergman, who was a student in the medical technology program. They were married on Aug. 23, 1952, in Tulsa.After living in Oregon while Wendell completed his graduate degrees, they moved to Oak Ridge, Tenn., then to Webster Groves, Mo., where they raised their four children.In 2007, Wendell and Dorothy moved to Granite Hill Estates Retirement Community in Augusta to be near many of their children and grandchildren. While living here, Wendell was active as president, then as treasurer of the Resident's Association, chairman of the Employee Appreciation Committee, participated in the Memoirs and More and In-Depth Reading groups, and was involved in a variety of other activities including attending Senior College Series classes.Wendell loved learning and was a dedicated educator and student. He also took time to show kindness and be considerate to everyone with whom he worked, from colleagues and students to custodians and lab assistants. He studied the German language, and enjoyed many trips to Germany and Europe, where he made a number of friends. He also was an avid recreational golfer.Wendell was predeceased by one son, Gary Davis; his brother, Kenneth; and both parents. He will be sadly missed by his three remaining children and their families, Timothy and Maggie Davis of Vienna, Glen and Catherine Davis of Belgrade, and Peggy and John Barnes of Readfield; his daughter-in-law, Chrystie Mort Davis, of El Dorado, Calif.; and his grandchildren Sara, Casey, Emily, Tim, Will, Allyson, Kyle, Ben and Nick; and great-grandchildren Briana, Bryan and Christopher.A memorial service will be held at a future date at Granite Hill Estates Retirement Community. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Wendell's life are encouraged to make contributions to the Senior College Scholarship Fund, University of Maine at Augusta Senior College, 46 University Drive, Augusta ME 04330; or Granite Hill Estates Life Enrichment Fund, Granite Hill Estates, 60 Balsam Drive, Hallowell ME 04347.The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists and all other staff members at the critical care unit at MaineGeneral Hospital for their compassionate care during Wendell's recent hospitalization.