Dr. James Edward Packer, MD
Dr. James Edward Packer, MD
September 24, 1932 — November 15, 2018
On Thursday November 15, James Edward Packer Sr., (Jim), loving father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed away at the age of 86. He was at his son's home in Marble Falls, Texas surrounded by family at the time of his passing.
Jim was born in Flint, Michigan to Vera and Athol Packer. He is survived by his sons Jim Packer Jr., and John Packer and wife Diane; his brother, Athol Packer and wife Dee; his sister Jean (Packer) Hinkin; 9 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Jeff Packer, brother Tom Packer, brother-in-law Dave Hinkin and Joyce Packer, mother of his 3 sons.
Jim grew up in Saginaw, Michigan and graduated from Arthur Hill High School. He attended Graceland College for 2 years where he played football. He transferred to Michigan State University where he received both a Bachelors and Masters degree in Chemical Engineering. He then worked for Dow Chemical, but soon decided to follow his passion for helping people and attended The University of Michigan Medical School where he earned his Medical Doctor degree.
Dr. Packer spent over 40 years practicing as a Family Physician in Saginaw, Michigan, delivering over two hundred babies into this world. He built his own private practice for over 20 years in Saginaw then went to work for Bluecare Network for 20 years. Jim was a compassionate, caring, intelligent, capable and humble person and Physician, admired and respected by anyone who met him, and by his peers in the medical community. He took time to listen. He gave his full attention during conversations, asking about you, not telling about himself.
Jim also had his private pilot license and loved the outdoors. Fishing, hunting, skiing and flying his family and friends around in the pontoon plane in northern Michigan is what he loved to do.
The world lost a great one. Jim will be truly missed by everyone he touched.
A celebration of Dr. James E. Packer's life will be held on Saturday, Dec. 8 at 11:00 a.m. at the Community of Christ Church, 300 N. Center Road, Saginaw, Michigan. A celebration reception and lunch will follow.
