JAMES EARL HARRELL, SR., M.D.
1931-2017
James Earl Harrell, Sr., M.D. passed away peacefully on February 1, 2017 in Houston, Texas with his devoted wife, Joan at his bedside. Dr. Harrell led a distinguished life noteworthy for his many accomplishments, patriotic service to his country, and devotion to his family.
He was born on December 25th, 1931 in El Dorado, Arkansas to Edna Irene Slater and Wilson Harrell. He joined the Arkansas National Guard at the age of 15, which was the beginning of a long military career. Graduating from El Dorado High School in 1949, he went on to graduate from Ouachita Baptist College in Arkadelphia, Arkansas where he became a Baptist minister. He married Betty J. Rogers in 1951. After completing parachute training and Ranger training, he served in Austria as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Subsequently, he attended the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, graduating in 1962 with a M.D. degree. Returning to active duty, he completed his internship at Fitzsimmons Army Hospital in 1963. His radiology residency and angiography fellowship were completed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in 1967. After leaving active duty, he joined the Department of Radiology at The Methodist Hospital and the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas in 1972. He was promoted to Chairman of the Department of Radiology at Baylor, and Chief of Service at The Methodist Hospital in 1976 by Dr. Michael E. Debakey. Over the next 25 years, he led the transformation of radiological services and education, retiring in 2001. He considered his proudest medical accomplishments to be in the field of radiology education where he devoted great attention and effort. During this period of time, he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General leading the 807th Medical Brigade, followed by promotion to Major General commanding all of the U.S. Army Medical Corps of Reserves. He received many awards and medals including the Distinguished Service Medal. “The General,” as he was known to his staff and colleagues, was a consummate patriot dedicated to the defense of his country.
In 1977, he married Joan Marie Cordes. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Joan, of Houston; a son, James Earl Harrell, Jr., M.D., and his wife, Marty, of Longview, Texas; and Minnie, wife of deceased son David A. Harrell. Grandchildren: James Wells Harrell, Elizabeth A. Harrell, Lauren A. Harrell, and D. J. Harrell. Great-granddaughter: Charlotte E. Harrell-Atiyeh.
Dr. Harrell was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing, hunting, and golf. He was a great inspiration to so many family friends, colleagues, trainees, and patients. He will be greatly missed.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to: The Methodist Hospital Foundation, Jim and Joan Harrell Endowed Chair of Radiology, P.O. Box 4384, Houston, Texas 77210.