JAMES D. NORTHWAY, MD
July 22, 1935 - September 27, 2024
Residence: Clovis, California
Clovis, California - Dr. J.D. Northway, MD passed away unexpectedly September, 27th at the age of 89. He was a visionary pediatric physician and hospital president and C.E.O., a philanthropist and pillar of the community.
Dr. Northway was born July 22, 1935, the second of three boys to Rebecca and Dr. William Northway, MD of Palo Alto. J.D. graduated from Palo Alto High School and later earned his BA and medical school degrees from Stanford University where he was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma.
In their youth, J.D. and his brothers vacationed in Yosemite where he developed a continuous love of nature, especially the Sierra. As a young man, he spent summers working at the gas station in Yosemite where he was able to hike and backpack during his days off. He completed his internship and 1st pediatric residency at U. of Utah, and a 2nd residency at U. of Cincinnati Children's Hospital. For 2 years he was senior surgeon in Cairo, Egypt at the U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit after which he returned to U. of Cincinnati Research Foundation for a fellowship and where he met and later married the love of his life, Ann. Another fellowship was completed at Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation.
After his education, Dr. Northway was instructor of pediatrics and Associate Professor at U. of Utah Medical Centers. He was also Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Director of pediatric Nephrology at Indiana U. School of Medicine. In 1976 Ann, daughter Melody and J.D. moved to the Central Valley where he was appointed Associate Clinical Professor to U.C.S.F. while also serving as assistant and Chief of Pediatrics, Assistant Chief of Family Practice and Acting Director of Regional Dialysis Center at Valley Medical Center. In 1978, he became VP of Medical Affairs at Valley Children's Hospital while continuing as active Chief of Pediatrics at V.M.C. He became president and C.E.O. of Valley Children's Hospital in 1983 and additionally president and C.E.O. of Childnet Inc. During his tenure at V.C.H. he landed and oversaw the development of a new campus, expanding it from a small, semi-regional pediatric hospital with less than 100 beds to what is now a full scale 358 bed, state-of-the-art hospital in Madera. Under Dr. Northway's administration the hospital also added extensive out-patient facilities, urgent-care centers, a complete rehabilitation center, numerous sub-specialties and the hospital's first pediatric residency program.
Dr. Northway held many professional positions and memberships, as well as national, state and local appointments. Locally, he served on the board of directors for: Winners on Wheels, Break the Barriers, Genetic Services Central California, Central California Blood Center, Hinds Hospice, California Futures Institute, Fresno Business Council and the Fresno Philharmonic. J.D was a major donor and sponsor of the Fresno philharmonic and Milestones Youth Jazz Workshop, a JazzFresno project. He was a life-long learner and enjoyed being a member of the Academy.
During retirement, J.D. enjoyed being at his cabin reading, playing solitaire, and looking out at the view and wildlife. He also had a blast cruising the world with National Geographic individually or with family. Wherever he went he made new friends with his boyish curiosity and genuine affection for people. He continued to attend and stay involved with the Fresno Philharmonic enjoying many concerts and dinners with good friends.
J.D. is survived by daughter Melody Northway Page; grandson Jacob Page (Kate); brother, John Northway (Lisa); nephew, David Northway; and grand-nephews, Christopher and Stephen; He was preceded in death by wife Ann Northway; son-in-law Jim Page; brother, Dr. William Northway Jr.; sister-in-law, Linda Northway; nephew, William Northway III; and niece-in-law Tamara Northway.
A celebration of life will be held at Pardini's 2257 W. Shaw on Sunday, November 3rd, 2024 at 1:00 in the afternoon. Please note the end of daylight savings. JD previously voiced his hope that guests would not wear black.
Memorial donations may be made to:
The Fresno Philharmonic.
726 W Barstow Ave # 106, Fresno, CA 93704.
Hinds Hospice.
2490 W. Shaw Ave., Fresno, CA 93711.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by Fresno Bee from Oct. 15 to Oct. 20, 2024.
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/fresnobee/name/j-northway-obituary?id=56536021