James L. Fleming DO, MPH, FAOCOPM died at home on April 20, 2011 after a lengthy illness. He was 59 years old. He was born on December 9, 1951 in Youngstown Ohio, where he was raised, graduating from Youngstown State University and the Des Moines University, College of Osteopathic Medicine.

 

He spent 20 years in the US Army as a physician, retiring at the rank of Colonel in 1998. Dr. Fleming served a tour in Somalia and served as the Army’s Consultant to the Surgeon General on Preventive Medicine.  He was a fellow of the American Osteopathic College of Occupational & Preventive Medicine and served as a member and as chair of the American Osteopathic Board of Preventive Medicine, the profession’s specialty certification board, for over 15 years. Dr. Fleming received his masters in public health from Johns Hopkins University, School of Public Health.

 

Dr. Fleming and his wife, Susan Connolly Fleming, moved to Phoenix 10 years ago when he became the Medical Director of the Phoenix Fire Department Clinic. Dr. Fleming coauthored a number of studies pertaining to firefighter wellness as well as particpated in various research NIOSH projects while serving the Phoenix Fire Department. He spoke at conferences around the country and was recognized as an international expert for his work in firefighter wellness. Dr. Fleming’s extended family, the staff of the Phoenix Fire Clinic, will honor his memory by continuing his work at the clinic.

 

Besides his wife, Susan, he is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Lisa & Johnny Floyd of Austin, TX; brothers, Michael and wife Mickii and Jeffrey and wife Rosemary; sisters-in law, Phyllis and Nancy; and sister, Lu-Ann & Bob Whalan; his mother-in-law, Eileen Connolly, brother-in-law James Connolly along with sisters-in-law Mrs. James Dolby, Marianne & Ernie Diliberto, Eileen & Harold McGuirk, Kathleen & Anthony Rozzo, Sheila & Paul Henneman and Lauren Connolly, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. His parents Thomas E. and Dorothy R. Fleming, and brothers Thomas E., Jr. and John Bruce Fleming preceded James in death.

 

A memorial service for Dr. Fleming will be held in Phoenix, AZ on Sunday, May 1, 2011 from noon until 3pm. A memorial service in Youngstown, OH will be held Saturday, May 21, 2011 from 11am to 2pm at Holy Family Social Hall, 2729 Center Road, Poland, Ohio 44514

 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to:

Local 493 Firefighters Charities, 61 East Columbus, Phoenix, AZ 85012