Dr. James Morrison Sloan Sr.

Dr. James Morrison Sloan, 87, died Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at The Tradition-Lovers Lane Assisted Living in Dallas, Texas. Born August 13, 1929 in Jonesboro, Arkansas to Dr. Ralph Matthews Sloan and Elizabeth Morrison Sloan, James was the second of three sons. He was predeceased by brothers Ralph M. Sloan of Little Rock and Robert B. Sloan, of Jonesboro. He is survived by three children: daughter, Dana Perlman and husband Jonathan of Dallas; daughter, Sally Sloan of Dallas; son, James M. Sloan, Jr. and wife Rahel of Nashville, Tennessee; and grandsons, Jonathan Perlman, Jr. and Holt Perlman of Dallas, Texas. Jim grew up in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He excelled in academics and athletics. As a Jonesboro High School Golden Hurricane, he was named High School Basketball All American and an Honorable Mention to the All-State Football team. He was an Eagle Scout, President of his senior class, chosen to be a representative at Arkansas Boys State and graduated Valedictorian in May, 1947. Following in the footsteps of his father and older brother, James attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. He was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity, was president of IFC and Skull and Bones and was named to Who’s Who of American Colleges and Universities as an outstanding student. After graduating in 1951 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, he attended the University of Arkansas Medical School in Little Rock. In the summer of 1955, Jim graduated and married Maybian Cooke. After his medical internship in Dallas, Texas at Parkland Hospital, Jim joined the United States Air Force. In 1956, he graduated from the School of Aviation Medicine at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio and became a captain in the Air Force Medical Corps. He served a two year assignment as flight surgeon at Craig Field in Selma, Alabama. Following his service, he completed a three year residency at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis followed by a one year fellowship to become a board certified surgeon in Obstetrics and Gynecology. In 1962, Jim returned to Little Rock to raise his family and set up his private medical practice. As a well-respected physician, he was dedicated to his patients and they remember him for his smiling bedside manner. He enjoyed his practice for over thirty-five years. Jim was active in the community and a member of Second Presbyterian Church, serving as deacon and elder. He continued his life-long love of sports, was an avid card player and a loyal Arkansas Razorbacks fan. A long-time member of Little Rock Country Club, “Jimmy Red” played weekly tennis, golf, gin rummy, poker and bridge with close friends for many years. He was an avid backgammon player. He was known to all for his wonderful sense of humor and his gift for joke and story-telling. In 2007, Jim moved to Dallas to be closer to his family. Named by his grandsons, he became lovingly known to all as “Big Daddy”. Big Daddy was devoted to watching his grandsons play football and baseball at Highland Park High School. Teaching and playing backgammon with “the boys” was a favorite pastime. As his health declined in the last few years, he never complained, was quick with a smile, continued to enjoy people and will be remembered for his sparkly blue eyes. He was blessed to be surrounded by his beloved family and devoted caregivers. Following a private burial, a Memorial Service celebrating his life will be held at Second Presbyterian Church, 600 Pleasant Valley Dr. in Little Rock on Tuesday, May 16, 2017, at 3 pm. A reception will follow at The Country Club of Little Rock. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Stewpot, 800 Scott St., Little Rock, AR 72201. To sign the online guestbook and offer condolences to the family go to www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com