Edward James Potchen

“Our purpose in life is to enhance opportunities for others.” Dr. E. James Potchen (b. December 2, 1932), who passed away peacefully on August 20, 2022, at the age of 89, lived by this philosophy. As many can attest, he was a unique individual. Physician, lawyer, scholar, and world traveler – Jim continuously sought to enhance human capital and help others succeed. He mentored many across all walks of life, including academicians and professionals who have become leaders in their organizations. Jim understood the importance of keeping an open mind and felt we all could consistently learn from others. As he regularly stressed – “if anyone does better, we all do better.”

Jim was not only gregarious, he was also driven to learn, as evidenced by his numerous academic achievements. He received his B.S in horticulture from Michigan State University (MSU) (’54), M.D. from Wayne State University (’58), MSc in management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (’73) and J.D. from the University of Michigan (’84). He practiced general medicine in Grand Rapids before taking his residency at Harvard Medical School, where he was the Chief Radiology Resident. He was appointed the inaugural director of Nuclear Medicine at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital and was selected to be the first Chief of Nuclear Medicine at Washington University’s Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology. Upon completion of his Sloan Fellowship at MIT, Jim was appointed as Professor of Radiology and Dean of Management Resources at Johns Hopkins University. In 1975, he accepted the position as the first Professor and Chairman of the new Department of Radiology at Michigan State University. While at MSU, he taught numerous courses for the Lyman Briggs College, the College of Osteopathic Medicine, the College of Human Medicine, and the School of Business. In 1990, he was awarded the title of University Distinguished Professor.

Jim belonged to numerous medical and radiology societies and was president of several. He was active in the American Medical Association where he served for eight years on the Council of Continuing Education, which is responsible for the accreditation of all medical schools in the United States and Canada. He wrote/edited 31 books and authored and co-authored 42 chapters in medical texts, in addition to 167 publications in the fields of chest radiology, neuroradiology, neuroscience, magnetic resonance, social economic implications of medical care, and technology. A particular interest of his was studying the quality of human decision making in medicine, business, and law.

Jim consistently encouraged people to expand their knowledge since, as he said, “the most common barrier to learning is thinking you know the answer.” Because of his passion for education, he established an “All University Award for Excellence” for undergraduate students with ten awards given every year to students from different MSU colleges. He also established endowed scholarships in the College of Human Medicine, College of Osteopathic Medicine, and the MSU library.

Beyond advocating for academic excellence at MSU, Jim supported its sports programs including football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, hockey, and women’s volleyball. He was also a long-standing and dedicated patron of the arts for the Wharton Center, the Broad Art Museum, the School of Music, and the MSU Library.

Throughout his life, Jim had a passion for nature. He loved birds, flowers and plants. Visitors to MSU’s Radiology Building are frequently struck by the beautiful gardens and decorative pools that Jim helped orchestrate. He was an Eagle Scout and recipient of the Distinguished Eagle Award. Jim was a voracious reader and read countless books well into retirement. He adored travel and visited all seven continents and over 120 countries. Based on his wide-ranging skills and activities, some referred to him as a modern-day Renaissance man.

Jim, a Grand Rapids native and son of Joseph and Eleanor Potchen, was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Joe and Tom. Jim was married to his wonderful wife Geri for over 65 years. Together they have four children, Michelle Sanford (Art), Kathleen Snyder (Rick), Mike Potchen (Gretchen Birbeck), and Joe Potchen (Bridget), as well as 12 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Above all, Jim loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. Many adventures were had camping, skiing, and cruising around the world. We will forever cherish these times of love and laughter.

Jim – you touched so many lives and will be missed. We will always honor your legacy by constantly trying to meet new friends (“The world is full of unmet friends”), respecting everyone (“Cultivate diversity, you never know where the best ideas will come from”), and expanding our minds (“Learning is a prerequisite to improvement”).

Our family would like to give special thanks to Sparrow Hospice, especially Cathy Hilts, Jackie Hebden from Home Instead, and Lenny Baker for their loving care.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on October 23, 2022, at 10:30 AM at the James B. Henry Center Atrium, Michigan State University, 3535 Forest Road, Lansing, MI 48910. Brunch to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory can be made to the MSU Radiology Gardens AS192, care of MSU Development, 300 Spartan Way, East Lansing, MI 48824.