Dr. James M. Bullock

East Lansing

Our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Dr. Jim Bullock joined his Heavenly Father on June 16, 2012 at the age of 76 after a courageous ten-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. During this difficult time, we were all energized and encouraged by the love and compassion of so many treasured friends who gave support in numerous ways for which we are eternally grateful. If there was ever a man who knew how to combine the serious pursuit of knowledge and academia, along with the joyful pursuit of laughter, jokes and pranks, it was Jim Bullock. He was a brilliant orthopedic surgeon who treated all his patients like family, believing that the practice of medicine was not just clinical, but more importantly, personal. He taught us to pursue our passions, to work hard, to play hard, and to share everything with a generous spirit.

Jim was born on Jan 11, 1936 in Jamestown NY to Bertha Adamson and Frederick Bullock. He spent his childhood in Mount Lebanon, Pennsylvania where he developed his life-long love of all things Pittsburgh: Steelers, Penguins, Pirates, and very importantly, Heinz Ketchup. His educational endeavors began with a BA from Colgate University and membership in the Sigma Chi Fraternity, and an MBA from The University of Michigan. In 1960 he married Maryjo Meads, his cherished wife of 51 years, after meeting her at the world famous Elbo Room on Ft. Lauderdale Beach, Florida. Several years later, with two small babies, and a job at U.S. Steel, Jim decided to completely shift gears and seek a career in medicine. It was his belief that the ability to serve others through his profession was paramount to a meaningful and gratifying life. With some hardship and sacrifice, Jim and his family moved to London, Ontario where in 1963 he entered medical school at The University of Western Ontario. He served as president of his class, president of Student Council, and was the eventual recipient of the prestigious University of Western Ontario’s Surgery Prize. The next year, his internship took his family to Midland, Michigan. They then moved back to London where he was a member of the first class of the Jack Kennedy Orthopedic Residency Program. His third year was spent in Vancouver, British Columbia at The Royal Victorian Hospital. Subsequently, his family moved back to London to complete his orthopedic training. After graduating from his residency, Jim’s growing family of five moved to Lansing, Michigan where he joined the practice of East Lansing Orthopedic Association, PC, and then welcomed his fourth child. Jim’s acclaimed medical career included 31 rewarding years of practicing orthopedics at both Ingham Medical Center and Sparrow Hospital. At Ingham, he served as Chief of Staff and Chairman of the Pharmacy Committee. Most notably, Jim was a pioneer and visionary in the management of chronic back pain. Dr. Bullock and his colleague Dr. John Jerome PhD started the first Pain Clinic in the State of Michigan, and only the fifth of its kind in the nation, using what were then called “radical innovations.” Today these treatments are used as standard procedures in the management of chronic back pain. Jim began a solo orthopedic practice in 1987 concentrating on the treatment of backs and medical/legal work that utilized both his remarkable business and communication skills.

Among the many philanthropic missions supported by Jim, he was most proud of founding and chairing, along with Maryjo, The First Annual Father Mac Dinner, providing tuition assistance grants for families in need seeking a faith-based education at Lansing Catholic High School. The endowed scholarship fund now totals over 1.5 million dollars providing thousands of dollars in annual support.

Of Jim’s many roles as surgeon, philanthropist and friend, his most coveted role of all was that of family man. It was always “family first” and he was absolutely adored by his wife, children and grandchildren. His ten grandchildren lovingly called him “Bampa” and couldn’t wait to spend time with him. They looked forward to candy in his coat pockets, silly hats on his head, and magic tricks making their toys disappear and reappear! They loved seeing him in the stands of their sporting events and in the audience of their performing arts productions.

Jim was an enormous sports enthusiast both as a participant and as a spectator. He ensured that he passed down to his son and three daughters his love of all sports, sports trivia, rules of the game, and general fanaticism for anything played with a ball or puck! After many years of trying, he could never quite reconcile his history with U of M and his affection for MSU. He spread his love and support over both institutions! If toasting or public speaking were an Olympic Sport, Jim surely would have been a gold medalist because he loved nothing more than commanding the attention of the room and making speeches about family members, cherished friends, or his general philosophy on life. We all loved this! Our family will forever remember the joy he experienced pursuing his many other avocations and hobbies including bridge, fishing, gardening, jazz music, the big-band sound, fine food and beverage, doling out nicknames, and many years of golf and fellowship at The Country Club of Lansing.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Maryjo, his son (of Okemos) James Matthews Bullock Jr. and wife Marnie Noe Bullock and children Clayton James and Carly Noe. He is also survived by his oldest daughter Christine Bullock Brogan (of East Lansing) and husband Gregory David Brogan and daughters Madeline Brearey, Savannah Rae and Isabelle Christine. Also surviving, is his third child Catherine Bullock Jesko (of Saginaw) and husband Dr. James Joseph Jesko and sons Harrison James and John Joseph. Jim’s youngest child is Andrea Bullock Cooper (of Lombard, IL.) husband Jason Andrew Cooper and sons Troy James, Charles Law and Elliott Meads.

Also surviving are Jim’s closest friends, Maryjo’s brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Ed and Barbara Meads of London, Ontario and their children and grandchildren. All of our lives are deeply enriched by the family love and laughs we’ve shared together through the years.

Additionally surviving are Jim’s sister-in-law, Marilyn Bullock of Bella Vista, Arkansas and her two sons. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his only brother, John Alan Bullock. He was also preceded in death by Maryjo’s parents, Dr. and Mrs. G.E. Meads of Oxford, MI who lovingly helped support Jim, Maryjo and their children during the difficult medical school years. Jim always felt enormous gratitude for their love and sustenance.

The family will receive friends on Friday, June 22, 2012 from 12-2pm and from 6-8pm with a Scripture Reading at 6pm at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 E. Grand River Avenue in East Lansing. The Memorial Mass will be celebrated Saturday, June 23, 2012 at 9:30am at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in East Lansing with Rev. Mark Inglot as celebrant. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make memorial contributions may do so to either the Lansing Catholic High School Heritage Fund, 501 N. Marshall Street, Lansing, MI 48912 or the St. Thomas Aquinas Parish School Capital Campaign, 915 Alton Road, East Lansing, MI 48823 in honor of Dr. James Matthews Bullock M.D., with the spirit of knowing that a gift of education yields remarkable rewards.

On line condolences may be made at www.greastlansing.com

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