James A. Frahm, M.D. Remembered

Written by Thomas A. Peacock, M.D.

James A. Frahm, M.D. age 61, passed away May 18, 2004 at his home in Clive, Iowa. He is survived by three children, Bradley Frahm of Dallas, Texas, Heidi Frahm of Dallas, Texas and Kathryn Leonard of Ankeny, Iowa. He was especially proud of his adult children, their accomplishments (two lawyers and one future doctor) and the fine adults they had become. He is also survived by three brothers and six sisters.

Jim was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He had a large family. He was the 6th of 11 children. He moved to Ottumwa, Iowa where he graduated from Ottumwa High School. He attended the University of Iowa, majoring in Biology. He graduated from the University of Iowa and attended medical school at Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, California. Jim completed his internship at Iowa Lutheran Hospital (along with Stan Haag).

Jim practiced family practice in Ankeny with Dr. Larry Gray, Dr. Rod Carlson and Dr. Dennis Hopkins before buying the practice of Dr. Dennis Walters in 1978. He practiced on the northeast side of Des Moines, Iowa until 1994. He then joined the Mercy Clinic System establishing the Mercy Beaverdale Clinic at 48th & Franklin along with me, Dr. Don Fillman, Dr. Bill Jagiello, Dr. Sudeep Gupta and Dr. Jeanne Giddings subsequently joined the clinic. He served as Medical Director for 20 years until his death.

Jim was a member of Polk County Medical Society and the American Medical Association during his professional career.

Jim loved being a family doctor. He was happiest when his schedule was “jam packed” with patients. He would joke with them, exchange personal stories and put them at ease. Jim could figure out most of their problems by listening carefully and examining them. He ordered tests but most of the time knew what was needed when he left the exam room. He was loyal to his patients. He would follow his patients at every hospital nursing home or their own home is needed. If he was tired or stressed he never showed it. Jim was quick to smile and always seem relaxed with his patients. After his death his patients shared stories about the many acts of kindness Jim dispensed along with his medical treatment. His long term patients thought of him as family. He was never too busy to see “just one more” unscheduled or walk-in patient at the end of the day.

He enjoyed life. He enjoyed hearing or telling a good joke, sharing a good meal or having a good drink. Jim was noted for his trademark cardigan sweater as he would work through the day. He could do a physical, apply a cast and repair a laceration without missing a beat. He would stop to share a story or listen to anyone who needed to talk to him. The doctors in the clinic valued his steady leadership and calming effect he had as we faced the constant changes of our profession.

We will miss Jim for his easy going style, his keen sense of humor, his steady values and his “old school” approach to his patients. I will mostly miss his friendship and warm memories accumulated during the many years of our professional lives.