Obituary of Jim Mayhew

December 28, 1944 – Medicine Hat, Alberta
August 13, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Dr. Jim Mayhew announces his passing on Friday, August 13, 2021 at his home surrounded by love. 

He was born, Dec 28, 1944, in Medicine Hat, Alberta, the son of Arthur and Vonda (nee Humphries) Mayhew, and brother to Judith Petch (all deceased). 

Jim attended Crescent Heights High School in Calgary, received his medical degree from the University of Alberta in 1968 and completed his residency in family medicine at Calgary General Hospital. He then earned a fellowship in family medicine and a certificate of special competence in Emergency Medicine. Jim established a large private family medicine practice in Calgary in which operated until 2015.  He was with the Physicians’ Emergency Service at Foothills Medical Centre (FMC) for over twenty-five years, and following that worked with the hospitalist team at FMC 1998-2021. Jim was also a clinical associate professor in the Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, at the University of Calgary. 

Jim’s involvement with the Alberta Medical Association (AMA) began in 1985 when he served as a member, co-chair and then chair of the Physicians’ Assistance Committee until 1998. As well, he was a member of the Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse from 1987-92 and the Physician Liaison Council from 1996-2002. Jim received the AMA Long-Service Award in 1995 and he received AMA Member Emeritus status in 2010. Jim had a keen interest in Complementary/Alternative Medicine in which he studied with the Institute of Functional Medicine and practiced at Centre for Preventive Medicine from 1994-2011 in Calgary.  Jim studied and belonged to the International Society of Travel Medicine which was committed to the promotion of health and safe travel.

Jim was lifelong learner with a diverse interest outside of medicine. He was an avid reader, loved to entertain in his home in Calgary and their cabin in Saskatchewan, enjoyed travel, curling, golfing, and had a passion for cooking. He explored new interests over the past year including acquiring his drone license, enrolling in the Academy of Cheese and increased his involvement with the Uncorked Wine Club. 

Jim was defined by his sense of humour, compassion and generosity. His love for his family, and many friendships were only exceeded by the love many had for him. He was described as the quintessential physician and gentleman, remembered for his kindness to all.

Jim is survived and will be deeply missed by his wife Sharleen, son Allan (Danielle) Mayhew, daughters, Andrea Scott, Beth, (David Halpin), Carol Sheldon; stepchildren, Bridget Fox Luzny, Jade (Ryley Grantham); and grandchildren Georgia, William, Amelia, Paulyna, Dylan, Mackenzy, Olivia, Grace, Zoe, Eve, George, Kennedy and Parker. He will be missed by his large extended family, friends, and colleagues. 

A special thank you to the FMC Emergency Department for your wonderful care and support you provided to Jim, FMC Unit 31 for the exceptional ongoing care, Dr. Eisner and Dr. Laurie Lemieux for directing Jim’s care and supporting the family in granting his final request to be at home. A special thank you to the FMC site; your support was overwhelming during Jim’s final days. 

The Foothills Hospital was a large part of Jim life over the past 50+ years. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made  in support of Foothills Medical Centre directly to Calgary Health Foundation – Foothills Medical Centre, Suite 800, 11012 Macleod Trail S.E., Calgary, AB  T2J 6A5, Telephone: (403)943-0615, www.thetrust.ca. Condolences, memories and photos may also be shared and viewed here.

A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held at the Silver Springs Golf and Country Club (1600 Varsity Estates Dr. NW, Calgary, AB,) on Sunday, September 26, 2021 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.  There will be a small program at 2:30 p.m.  Jim loved to bring friends and family together, we look forward to seeing you on the 26th.

Love Shar and family.

In living memory of Dr. Jim Mayhew, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.