James Hoehn, 82, surgeon, philanthropist
Albany James Hoehn was known around the world for his leadership in the field of plastic surgery, and appreciated throughout the Capital Region for his devotion to everything from history and education to stamps and British sports cars.
Hoehn, a longtime Colonie resident who had been battling various health conditions for several months and had broken a hip in an early-december fall, died on Christmas Eve of COVID -19. He was 82.
“Our specialty has lost a longstanding contributor and leader,” said Joseph Losee, the current president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in an obituary for Hoehn on the group’s website.
Hoehn’s association with Albany Medical Center began almost 50 years ago, though his work as an attending plastic surgeon took him to numerous regional hospitals. A professor emeritus of plastic surgery at Albany Medical College, Hoehn also led the hand clinic at Albany ’s Center for the Disabled.
Over the course of his career, Hoehn served as president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons as well as the American Association of Hand Surgery, the New York State Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Society of Plastic Surgeons of Upstate New York, and the International Confederation of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery.
His son-in-law Frank Nigro told the Times Union that Hoehn’s metier “wasn’t Hollywood plastic surgery. This was a man who was devoted to his craft.”
Nigro said Hoehn would organize teams of surgeons for annual travel to economically disadvantaged countries such as the Dominican Republic, where he would lead two-week clinics working on conditions such as cleft-palate repair. His wife, Barbara, would serve as translator.
Dr. James Edmond, Hoehn’s medical partner for more than 40 years, said his friend was a master communicator — a physically large man with a personality to match who was nonetheless able to draw out the people he encountered.
“He could sit down with the chairman of the board or the
lowest person in the community and make them feel comfortable,” Edmond said, adding that Hoehn was also a canny advocate when it came to seeking resources from public officials.
A Detroit native, Hoehn attended Georgetown University as an undergraduate and earned his medical degree at Northwestern University Medical School; he remained active in both schools’ alumni organizations.
Away from the surgical world, Hoehn was known throughout the Capital Region for his participation in and support for a wide range of institutions.
Hoehn served on the boards of the state Archives Partnership Trust, Historic Cherry Hill, St. Gregory ’s School and the Fort Orange Club — though a full inventory of his participation in academic, professional and social groups fills three pages, and ranges from the Green Mountain Club to numerous clubs devoted to stamp collecting.
Married for 58 years, James and Barbara Hoehn “were really a team” in their philanthropic efforts, according to Tammis Groft, executive director of the Albany Institute of History and Art, who knew the couple for more than 35 years.
Hoehn’s passions also included sports cars: He was a member of numerous organizations for Jaguar enthusiasts, and authored two editions of the “Illustrated Jaguar Buyer’s Guide.” He is currently listed as the vice president and membership contact of the Capital Region Jaguar Club of New York on its website.
Hoehn owned several Jaguars at any given time, and tinkered with them in his garage. “He was in love with the shape ... with the whole car,” Edmond said.
Nigro noted the challenges Hoehn faced being a Jaguar driver with a sixfoot-five-inch frame. “Watching him get in and out of those cars was funny, but he loved them,” he said.
In addition to his wife, Hoehn is survived by his daughter, Melissa Nigro, and son James Jr., as well as five grandchildren.
A small family service is planned for Saturday; a public memorial service will be organized after the pandemic has subsided.