Dr. James E. McKittrick, M.D.
Dr. James E McKittrick passed away peacefully after a short illness with his loving wife by his side the day before his 97th birthday.
Jim was born and spent his youth in Boston. He made frequent summer trips to the family cabin in Jaffrey, NH. During his childhood, he loved participating in all sports and enjoyed hunting and skeet shooting with his father. After graduating from Milton Academy, he received both his undergraduate and medical degrees from Harvard University. Despite his commitment to academics, he found time to play varsity squash and tennis. He captained the squash team his senior year. While at Harvard, he met his first wife Meredith.
Jim completed his residency in surgery in St. Louis, Mo. after serving in the armed forces for two years as a doctor in Germany during the post-world war II occupation. He started his surgical practice with his father in Boston, who was also a surgeon. Shortly thereafter, Jim had the fortune of joining the surgery department at the Santa Barbara Medical Clinic. Jim spent the remainder of his long and illustrious career with the clinic as a general and vascular surgeon.
Jim was at the forefront of the evolution of vascular surgery as a specialty. He was a member of many surgical professional associations and served as the president of several of those organizations. He was known for his technical skills, his medical common sense, and his warm and compassionate approach with his patients.
Jim and Meredith raised their 4 children in Santa Barbara. Despite his demanding schedule, Jim found time to pursue his passion for tennis. He was a founding member of Knowlwood Tennis Club, where he enjoyed playing tennis with his family and friends. He was known for his nasty lefty serve and his ferocious net game. After prevailing on a point at the net, he loved to proclaim, “not through the iron duke!”. He always found the time to support his kids in their school and sporting activities. He made sure to take time from his work to take frequent family trips during the summers. He loved to go back to see his family in New Hampshire, to take white water rafting trips, and haul the family camper he fondly nicknamed the “saggy baggy” around the western states. In 1982, Jim and Meredith were divorced.
In 1999, Jim married Mehle Hulbert. Jim and Mehle spent his last 15 years surrounded by new and old friends at Valle Verde Retirement Center. He always took time to say a friendly hello to his neighbors and was the greeter for new residents for his zone for several years.
Jim stayed physically active with frequent walks at the beach with his daughter Mimi, and any other kids or grandkids who happened to be in town. He continued to play tennis until the week after his 94th birthday. He was disappointed that despite his announcement that the one set he played that day would be his last, his opponents didn’t let him win.
Jim will be remembered for the many patients and family members he saved, his warmth and kindness, and most importantly, his devotion to his wife and family. He is survived by his wife Mehle and her two boys and families, his children Mimi (Dennis), Jim (Diane), Peter (Jennifer), and Ann (Lee). He was also lucky enough to enjoy his 5 grandchildren into their adult years and 3 great grandchildren. His first wife Meredith, his parents and brother Sterling predeceased him.
At Jim’s request, there will be no public service. The family suggests you honor Jim by telling your favorite story about him while enjoying a bowl of your favorite ice cream, a sip of Gentleman Jack, or a glass of inexpensive but tolerable red wine.