By the Family

Sept. 16, 2015:  James H. Fine, MD, 83, of Bronxville passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2015.

James H. Fine was born on May 20, 1932, on his father’s birthday in Mount Vernon, New York. A disciplined student, he attended Fordham University on full scholarship. Accepted at multiple medical schools, he continued his professional training at Georgetown Medical School. He served as vice president and president of the Student American Medical Association and graduated in 1954.

While in Washington, he met Patricia Hatch, a nursing student at Georgetown University Medical Center, destined to become his wife and lifelong love. After internship at DC General Hospital, the young couple moved to San Antonio, where he served as a captain in the US Air Force and was selected as flight surgeon to the elite White Eagle squad.

Following his honorable military discharge, they returned to New York, where Dr. Fine completed his surgical residency and fellowship at Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan. They settled in Bronxville and raised five children in a bustling home filled with animals and love. Retrievers, greyhounds, and poodles were always part of the family. He was proud of his Italian heritage, frequently traveling to Tuscany and Arthur Avenue. 

An accomplished surgeon and clinical teacher, he practiced in academic medicine as an associate professor of surgery at New York Medical College. Famous for his surgical skill and bedside manner, he was beloved by his patients and his resident physicians. His peers frequently requested his expertise to assist on difficult cases in the operating theater. With Patricia as his multitasking nurse, they ran a thriving private practice in Mount Vernon with care and charm. 

An avid and accomplished golfer, he could be found most weekends on the links of Westchester County, most frequently at Leewood Country Club. Evenings were often spent attending opera at Lincoln Center and frequenting events with Patricia at The Bronxville Women's Club, including after her passing in 2012.

He is survived by son James, MD, of Morganton, NC, his wife, Heather, and their sons, Michael, MD, and Christopher; daughter Valerie Limekiller, RN, of Eastchester, her husband, Michael, and their son, Jonathan; son Stephen, MEd, of Miami, his wife, Virginia, and their daughter, Ashley; son Jeffrey, MD, of Mamaroneck, his wife, Natalia, and their daughter, Isabella; and daughter Susan Fine-Bellinger of Yonkers and her husband, Allan.

Calling hours were held at the Fred H. McGrath & Son Funeral Home on September 8.  A Mass of Christian Burial was held on September 9 at St. Joseph's Church.