Dr. James Thomas McCanless
March 28, 2012
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
Dr. James 'Jim' Thomas McCanless, 86, went to be with the Lord on March 28, 2012, at Sangre de Cristo Hospice in Pueblo, Co. He grew up in Canton, Ga. and served in the US Army 65th Division during World War II from 1943-1945. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his service. After the war, Jim attended the University of Georgia, graduating from the medical college in 1951. He completed his anesthesia residency while serving in USAF Medical Corps from 1953-1958 . Jim practiced anesthesia at Schumpert Hospital in Shreveport, La. from 1959-1984. He then retired to his beloved Cuchara, Co. where he spent his remaining years enjoying golf, fishing, hiking, cross country skiing, and camping among the beautiful mountains. Jim was a member of the St. Benedict Episcopal Church of La Veta.
Jim was preceded in death by his first wife, Nanette Ruth McCanless and brothers, Luke and Lee McCanless. Among his survivors are his second wife, Barbara McCanless; sister Jean M. Williams of Newport News, Va.; children Diane Holmes of Houston, Tx., Dr. James William 'Bill' McCanless of Pueblo, Co., Teri Winans of Pollock, La., and Patti Rappleyea of Shreveport, La.; grandchildren Ryan Anderson, Lauren Spriggs, Alison and Adele McCanless, Chris Bean, Megan Rambo, and Caisee Reno; and great-granchildren Lily and James Spriggs.
Graveside services and interment Saturday, March 31, 2012, at La Veta cemetery.
The family requests that memorials be made to Sangre de Cristo Hospice and Palliative Care, Pueblo, Co. or St. Benedict Episcopal Church, La Veta, Co. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com
My thoughts and prayers are extended to his family. I so enjoyed my visits with Doc. He was a true gentle-man. He loved to share his outdoor adventure tales and I enjoyed hearing about them. He will be missed. Take good care – – Jeanine
We were blessed to know Jim. He loved his little church here in Brackettville and he was a great steward with the mission of our church! He will be greatly missed but we will never forget him!
It was Caroline’s and my privilege to serve alongside of Jim for the years we spent together at Schumpert Memorial Hospital. He was a good friend and an excellent anesthesiologist.
It was Caroline’s and my privilege to know and to work with Jim during the years he practiced anesthesia at Schumpert Memorial Hospital.
He was a loyal friend and a credit to his profession.
C. Tait