In Memoriam: Dr. James B. McCormick, Founding Chairman
Obituary
James B. McCormick, M.D. of Lincolnwood, IL passed away on June 26, 2022 at the age of 97. He was born in Chicago, IL on January 29, 1925. At the age of 17, he joined the Navy and, during these formative years of service, discovered his love of medicine and lifelong interest in natural science. He attended the University of Notre Dame, graduating with a degree in pre-medical studies, and then went on to receive his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago.
In 1949, Dr. McCormick completed his internship and residency in clinical and anatomical pathology at Augustana Hospital. He worked as a pathologist in a Chicago community hospital until 1957 when he joined the medical staff of Swedish Covenant Hospital as Director of Laboratories, tasked with developing and implementing advanced laboratory technology. He remained at Swedish Covenant Hospital for over 50 years, serving in a number of instrumental roles, including that of President and CEO from 1983 to 1990. His tenure at the hospital also included positions of President of the Medical Staff, Chairman of the Galter LifeCenter, Chief Scientific Officer, and Founding Chairman of the Swedish Hospital Foundation. Dr. McCormick's extraordinary leadership and tireless efforts led to the successful modernization of the hospital's technology and expansion of its facilities, including the creation of the James and Suzanne McCormick Montessori Childcare Center which serves the needs of both hospital employees and the surrounding community.
From his first company, created as an undergraduate student at Notre Dame to prepare and sell educational microscope slides, to his later clinical research and endeavors to improve the design and efficiency of laboratory equipment and methods, Jim was a lifelong entrepreneur and inventor. He was always forward thinking, embracing innovation and ushering in a new era in scientific medicine.
He was granted over 50 patents, including one for the Cryostat – a laboratory apparatus to facilitate intra-operative surgical tissue diagnosis. This invention revolutionized the practice of pathology and histotechnology around the world.
Jim McCormick was a true Renaissance man with a wide range of interests and talents. He was an author and poet, a collector of objects and ideas, a mentor and advisor, a pilot, a sculptor, an inventor. Above all, he was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word – embodying refinement and kindness of spirit.
He will be remembered for his vast contributions to the field of medicine, for his meaningful friendships and involvements in the scientific and histotechnology community, and for his deep devotion to his family. He is survived by his spouse of 46 years and the love of his life, Suzanne, his children Jeremy (Maggie) and Amanda (Matthew); Bruce (Rebecca) and Pamela (Tim); and his cherished grandchildren Gabrielle, Benjamin, Zachary, Alessandra, and James; Kayla, Jordan, and Philip.
A private family interment was held at All Saints Cemetery on Saturday, July 2, 2022. A Memorial Mass in honor of Dr. McCormick will be held on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at 10:00 am at Queen of All Saints Basilica, 6280 N. Sauganash Ave, Chicago, IL.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Swedish Hospital Foundation (www.swedishhospitalfoundation.org/donate or 773-293-5121).