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OBITUARIES
James Ivan Slaff
James Ivan Slaff, M.D., F.A.C.G., passed away September 5, 2008 at Shands University Hospital after a series of complications following a stroke in February, including his lifelong battle with Crohn’s Disease. He was 54 years old.
Jim was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania on January 21, 1954. He graduated in 1971 as valedictorian of Blair Academy before attending Yale University where he graduated cum laude with a degree in geology in 1975. While at Yale, Jim was a member of St. Anthonyís Hall. Jim then attended medical school at the University of Virginia followed by his internship, residency and fellowship at the University of Florida. He then held a prestigious National Research Service Award Direct Fellowship from the National Institutes of Health. While at the NIH, Jim wrote the book The AIDs Epidemic (1985) with John Brubaker and served as a medical consultant to Former President Ronald Reagan. His medical research on pancreatic pain management resulted in medical improvements that are still utilized around the world.
Jim had a private Gastroenterology practice in Key West, Florida for 10 years, was very involved in the local community and was awarded a key to the city. He returned to Gainesville, Florida in 1998 and for the last years of his life, Jim was extremely proud to serve as a Clinical Associate Professor of the Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition at the University of Florida under his mentor Dr. Phil Toskes. He also served as the Medical Director for Gainesville Health Car, Parklands Rehabilitation and Nursing and Park Meadows Health and Rehabilitation Centers.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Ashley Slaff of South Boston, Virginia and her mother Sally Slaff, his brothers, Jonathan Slaff of New York, New York and Richard Slaff of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and his longtime companion Dana Welch of Earleton, Florida.
Interment will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2008 at Mount Eden Cemetery in Valhalla, New York at 10:30 a.m.. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for contributions to be made to the James Ivan Slaff, M.D. Memorial Scholarship Fund care of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, Attn: Honor & Memorial Gifts, PO Box 1245, Albert Lea, MN 56007-9976, or to a benevolent of your choice.
Friends may call upon the family from September 9 to the 11th from 2 until 4 and from 7 until 9, at the home of Richard Slaff, 1 Worthington Road, corner of Sutton Road, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, and on September 13, from 7 until 9 and on the 14 from 2-4 p.m. and from 7-9 p.m., at the home of Jonathan Slaff, 55 Perry St., Apt. #1M, New York City.
A memorial service will be held by the University of Florida in the upcoming weeks, details of which will be announced at a later date.
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