Dr. James W. Singer

Dr. James W. Singer, 87, died Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at Moses Cone Hospital. James was born December 4, 1935, in Smithville, Ohio, son of the late Russell L. and Mary O. Singer. Jim grew up surrounded by his family in the small town of Smithville, Ohio. He graduated from Smithville High School in 1953, where he earned varsity letters in baseball, basketball and track. He received his B.A. in Biology at The College of Wooster in 1957 before graduating from The Ohio State University College of Medicine in 1961. Jim completed his pediatric internship and residency at Akron Children’s Hospital in 1964. Following residency, Jim served in the US Army as a Captain from 1964-1966, stationed at Fort Gordon in Augusta GA.

Jim married his first wife, Carole while in medical school, and they had 3 children: Lisa, Dan, and Laurie while he was a resident and serving in the Army. The family moved to Greensboro in 1966, where Jim started his pediatric practice with Dr. Bill Follo, who quickly became his dear friend and colleague. In addition to running his solo practice, Jim was a member of the medical board for both Moses Cone and Wesley Long Hospitals. Career highlights include serving as the Chief of Pediatrics at Moses Cone Hospital, volunteering as a preceptor at the Moses Cone Family Practice Center, and serving as a founding board member of the Physicians Health Plan which was acquired by United Health Care. Jim retired in 2000 after 34 years. He proudly entrusted his practice to a wonderful physician and former patient, Dr. Pamela Warner.

In 1987 he married Susan Summers Singer, and for 32 years they shared a life filled with love, joy and adventure as they traveled the world together. Jim’s favorite activities included spending family time at his cabin on Philpott Lake, fly fishing (especially in Montana), hiking, wildflowers, and watching sports (especially the Buckeyes). More recently, Jim loved to spend time at his favorite coffee shop, A Special Blend, where he often brought friends and family to visit.

Jim leaves an incredible legacy of caring for so many children in the Greensboro community. Even 23 years after retirement, rarely a week goes by where his name or face is not recognized by a parent or former patient.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his wife Susan; sisters Vivian Sheller (Jim) and Karen Gray (Dave); and grandchildren Chris Singer and Nicole Scheid. He is survived by his children, Lisa Costner of Winston-Salem, Dan Singer(Pat) of Greensboro, Laurie Singer (Tom) of Raleigh, and Brent Lombardo (Cindy) of Franklinville, NC; his brother Ron Singer (Marla) of Smithville, Ohio; grandchildren Sean Costner, Tony Singer, Gen Singer, Grayson Peel, Singer Peel, and Brandon Lombardo.

The family would like to express appreciation for the wonderful care from Dr. John Griffin, Dr. Peter Ennever and the incredible staff at the Cone Health Cancer Center High Point.

Family and friends will be received on Thursday, March 9 from 5 to 7 PM in the Special Occasion Room at Wellspring Retirement Community, 4100 Wellspring Drive, Greensboro, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jim’s memory may be made to A Special Blend: https://www.aspecialblend.org/donate.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com for the Singer family.