James Eugene “Jim” Gee, died Thursday, April 20, 2017, at his home. He was born in McLeod Hospital in Florence, SC on September 3, 1940 to parents Paul Hood Gee and Margaret Benjamin Gee.
He graduated from McClenagan High School where he was active in sports and served as student body president. Jim attended Davidson College, and in 1962 he married Winnie Bath while attending Emory Medical School.
After graduating in 1965, Jim and Winnie moved to Charleston, SC to complete an orthopedic residency. Jim served as a physician at Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, where he and Winnie remained.
In 1972 he became the first orthopedic surgeon in town opening Sumter Orthopedics. As an Orthopedist, Jim set an example by balancing his love of God, family, and medicine. He made rounds early and late so that he could be with his family, and attend his children’s activities.
He was active with the YMCA serving as chairman of the board, coaching, and often examining fingers or ankles while watching his children play sports. He was never out of reach for anyone and always responded attentively with compassion.
After retiring as a surgeon, Jim continued to care for others working at Palmetto Tuomey Industrial Medicine and providing medical services as a volunteer for United Ministries through 2016. Jim served many roles from youth leader, elder and Clerk of the Session as a member of First Presbyterian Church in Sumter.
After leading a youth group to Mexico, he developed a passion for international missions and served on nearly a dozen trips to South America. He represented his church and profession abroad with the same integrity and commitment that he served his own community.
He was an associate member of the Rumple Presbyterian Church in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Jim was a remarkably humble man, who always put others first.
He was a devoted husband for 55 years and a gracious father and grandfather to his own children and to many others. He began each day saying “Our greatest gift is God’s love, our greatest privilege is to share it with others” and he lived each day caring it out.
He is survived by his wife, Winnie, son, Paul Eugene Gee of Louisville, Kentucky, daughter, Julia Muldrow and her sons, Daniel and Patrick. He was predeceased by a son, James Daniel.
He is also survived by a sister, Margaret Schultz of Atlanta, Ga., and husband, Bob; a brother, Paul Gee of Huntersville, N.C., and wife, Karen; and a brother, Dr. George Gee, of Columbia, and wife, Linda.
The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall at First Presbyterian Church in Sumter S.C., on Sunday, April 23 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
A private service will be held at another time. Memorials may be sent to United Ministries, 36 S. Arillery Drive Sumter, SC 291540 or to First Presbyterian Church, 9 W. Calhoun Street, Sumter, SC 29150.
You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and sign the family’s guest book. The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home for the arrangements.
Published in The State on Apr. 22, 2017