James A. Sheets MD

James Albert Sheets passed away peacefully on July 19, 2026. Born in Winston-Salem, NC, James was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1957 and earned his medical degree from the Bowman Gray School of Medicine at Wake Forest University in 1961. On July 12, 1958, he married Sally Ann Greene. James served in the U.S. Naval Reserve from July 1962 to June 1965. During three years of active service in the United States, he attended Aviation Medicine School in Pensacola, Florida, and served as a flight surgeon. He completed his active service with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Following his military service, James resumed his medical career. He completed his general surgery residency at Allentown General Hospital from 1965 to 1969, serving as Chief Resident in his final year. In 1970, he entered private practice with Trimpi, Khubchandani, Stasich, Rosen, Riether Colon & Rectal Surgery, where he practiced until his retirement in 1995. He became board certified in Colon & Rectal Surgery in 1970. He was named a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons in 1971. Throughout his career, he was an active member of the American Medical Association, the Pennsylvania Medical Society, and the Lehigh County Medical Society. Widowed in 1973 following Sally's passing, James married Anne L. Bittner in 1975 and became a devoted stepfather to her children. James and Anne celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in May 2025. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Sally; his wife, Anne; and his stepdaughter, Kirsten A. Sheets. He is survived by his children, Nathan D. Sheets and Cynthia D. Dale; his stepson, Kurt L. Otto; and his cherished grandchildren, Janson P. Murphy, Sara S. Dale, Nathan J. Dale, Charlotte O. Otto, and Lauren E. Otto. A faithful member of The Church of the Redeemer in Sarasota, FL, James enjoyed golfing, bicycling, and traveling in his leisure time. His unfailingly positive and friendly manner brought smiles to those around him. A Requiem Mass will be held at The Church of the Redeemer on August 21, 2026 at 1:30 p.m.

Tributes

James A. Sheets MD

April 17, 1935 - July 19, 2026