James Martin Gray
James (Jim) Martin Gray FRACS
11 November 1925 - 6 June 2015
Urologist
Jim Gray, a respected Hamilton urologist, passed away in his sleep on June 6 2015 in Auckland. He lived by core Presbyterian beliefs of hard work, community service, fairness and equal respect of all, irrespective of their role in society. Hierarchy, symbolism or power through position never impressed him.
Jim was born in Hamilton to Jim and Esme Gray. He and his younger sister, Mary, grew up in Kaponga, Taranaki, where his father was the town doctor. He attended South Taranaki Primary School and Scots College in Wellington as a boarder. He excelled in athletics throughout his school years and went on to win many provincial and national titles. Jim played rugby for the First Fifteen, excelled academically and was appointed Head Boy.
Jim completed a Pre-Med year at Otago University, becoming 440yd and 880yd champion during that time. Undeterred by missing out on entry to Otago Medical School, and with the encouragement of his parents, Jim began his journey to qualifying in medicine by travelling to Dublin. He returned once to NZ during this five year period, during which time he met his future wife Pam Wilson, a nurse, and by all accounts beginning a whirlwind romance. He subsequently practiced as a GP in Paeroa, where he played representative rugby for Thames Valley.
Jim and Pam married and in 1955 returned to Dublin where Jim finished his postgraduate studies completing his FRCS and qualifying as an Urologist. He then worked at the Royal Preston Hospital, Lancashire and Dudley Hospital, Birmingham, gaining experience and earning sufficient money to take the ship back to NZ, but not before his first two children, Jackie and James, were born.
Settling in Hamilton, Jim spent all of his working life there, both in private practice and at Waikato Hospital, where he became Head of the Department of Urology. His sense of humour, great respect for colleagues of all disciplines, level of experience and above all, his wonderful bedside manner and care for his patients made him a much loved and respected surgeon.
Jim played an active role in the Urological Society of Australasia (now USANZ) serving on the Executive and attaining the Presidency in 1986. In that year he convened the Society's Annual Scientific Meeting in Rotorua. His principal guests were Patrick Walsh and Darecot Vaughan, inspired choices who were to influence the surgical evolution of the speciality in this country. He was also an innovator, introducing and operating the first external shock wave lithotripter in New Zealand.
Jim was an avid teacher, taking a leading role in the establishment of urology as a specialty in its own right and in the development of urological training in New Zealand. Many of New Zealand's current leading urologists were Jim's trainees and all speak highly of him as teacher, surgeon, and above all, supporter of their endeavours and aspirations. During this time his family was made complete with the arrival of two more daughters, Susan and Deborah.
Jim was heavily involved in rugby in Hamilton and the Waikato, playing for Hamilton Old Boys Rugby Club and later in life becoming President of the Club and subsequently a Life Member. He was also a keen golfer and a long-time member of St Andrews Golf Club, playing regularly throughout his life and recording a number of scores less than his age. He was also an enthusiastic yachtsman, owning a 34ft keeler. Unfortunately, his sailing skills never quite matched his enthusiasm!
Following his long and distinguished career, Jim and Pam retired to Auckland, settling in Cheltenham and beginning a new era of his life. This marked the start of Jim's influence and contribution to the community of Devonport. There he became a regular swimmer in all seasons at Cheltenham Beach, joined the Waitemata Golf Club and became a regular hiker through the streets of Devonport. He made a major commitment to maintaining the grounds of the Devonport Presbyterian Church, working there each Monday and striving to ensure the gardens were in better shape than those of the Catholic Church next door. Jim personally planted and nurtured over 1000 native plants in the Church grounds. His ability to connect readily with people ensured lively banter between the volunteers of the two churches as they re-hydrated at the local pub following their day's work!
Jim Gray was a driven man, a high achiever with a sharp sense of humour, but above all, egalitarian and able to connect positively with all he met. He was a great supporter of the family in everything they did and is survived by his adored wife, Pam, children Jackie, James, Susan and Deborah and grandchildren Courtney, Natalie, Thomas, Claudia, James, Kate and Amelia.
This obituary was prepared by Mark Fraundorfer FRACS and James Gray and family
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