James "Jim" Louis Reynolds, MD

James (Jim) Louis Reynolds, MD, a lifelong resident of New Orleans, died peacefully on March 18, 2020. He was 91 years old. He was born on July 10, 1928 to Irma Catherine Barbara Seiler and Lloyd Edward Reynolds. He was the beloved husband of the late Mary Elizabeth Fontaine Reynolds.

Jim attended New Orleans Academy (NOA) and graduated as valedictorian. He went on to graduate from Tulane University in 1949, and then from Tulane Medical School in 1953. He completed an internship and residency with Tulane Pediatrics and subsequently completed a fellowship in Pediatric Cardiology at Harvard Medical School and Children’s Hospital in Boston, MA under Dr. Alexander S. Nadas, the “Father of Pediatric Cardiology.” Jim was a member of the Delta Tau Delta and Nu Sigma Nu fraternities, as well as the Medical Pan-hellenic Council, the Owl Club, and the History of Medicine Society. He also served as a Captain in the Louisiana National Guard and a PFC in the United States Air Force Reserve. He married Mary Elizabeth Fontaine on June 8, 1955. They had five children.

Jim had a long, successful, and noteworthy career as a caring Pediatric Cardiologist to the children of New Orleans. He was a leader in bringing Pediatric Cardiology to the State of Louisiana when the discipline was young. During his career, he practiced medicine at Children’s Hospital of New Orleans, Southern Baptist Hospital (where he helped establish their Pediatric Intensive Care Unit), and Tulane Medical Center. He also maintained a thriving private practice for many years. There are countless families that are grateful to Dr. Reynolds for his talents and dedication.

Jim was part of a wonderful community where he participated in several carnival organizations. He had regular lunches with his cherished friends including the Friday Fellows. He will be remembered as a true gentleman with a wonderful sense of humor. In later years Jim published a book called “Elder Speak: A Thesaurus or Compendium of Words Related to Old Age.” He always harbored a deep interest in words and often flummoxed his friends and family with his extensive vocabulary.

Jim’s memory will be lovingly treasured by his children: Mary Elizabeth Reynolds; Mary Catherine Reynolds Anderson; James Reynolds, Jr. (Carol); Mary Clothilde Reynolds; and Mary Sarah Reynolds, long deceased. Jim is survived by five grandchildren: Mary Brittney Bean; Christopher Charles Anderson, MD (Jeffrey); Benjamin Dean Galvan-Anderson (Enrique); Henry Fontaine Phillips; and James Torres Phillips.

A private interment will take place at Metairie Cemetery. Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home will oversee the arrangements. A celebratory memorial will take place at a later date. Jim’s family extends their grateful thanks to the kind and tender care of the healthcare professionals at the University Medical Center in New Orleans. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to the Cardiology Department of The Heart Center at New Orleans Children’s Hospital.

Due to our current extenuating circumstances, we ask that those who wish to express condolences do so at www.lakelawnmetairie.com, in lieu of your presence at the service. The family thanks you kindly for your understanding and compassion.