James Bassingthwaighte, M.D. (I ’61)

James Bucklin Bassingthwaighte

James B Bassingthwaighte died quietly at home in Seattle Washington at age 92. He was born in Toronto, Canada. He was predeceased by his parents, three siblings and his wife, Joan. He is survived by his five children: Anne, Mary, Alan, Sarah and Rebecca. Jim grew up in Canada and attended the University of Toronto through medical school. In 1955, he married Joan, began his family, practiced rural medicine then continued training in England, moving into research on his return to the US. He pursued a PhD in cardiovascular physiology and after 15 years at the Mayo Clinic moved to Seattle to join the UW Dept. of Bioengineering. He modeled curiosity, connecting ideas and observation with hard work. He loved tennis and traveling. Dinner tables were filled with guests and lively discussions.

May we emulate his strengths and learn from his life fully lived.

On Feb 20, the Sound Ensemble, will premier a piece composed by his daughter Sarah in his honor. Donations can be sent to Southern Poverty Law Center or UW Bassingthwaighte Faculty Fund.