Dr. James D. Kingham, Col., MC, USAR

May 31, 2021

Dr. James D. Kingham passed away in Istanbul, Turkey, on Memorial Day, 2021. Originally from Indianapolis and Ft. Lauderdale, he graduated from Perdue University; Indiana University-School of Medicine; Oakwood Hospital-Internship, Dearborn, MI; Medical College of Wisconsin-Department of Ophthalmology-Fellow in Retinal Disease & Retinal Detachment Surgery. He considered serving his country to be the greatest honor of his life, along with being a father and husband. He served with the Marine Corp Reserve and the Army Reserve Medical Corps. He led his 324th Combat Support Hospital of Perrine, FL in Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield. He was a member of the Senior Army Reserve Commander’s Assn; Assn. of Military Surgeons of the United States, and Assn. of the United States Army. In 1981, Dr. Kingham opened the first retinal surgery practice in Sarasota where over the years he was beloved by his patients. He was active in the Retina Society, the Vitreous Society and the American Academy of Ophthalmology. In 1999, he moved to Istanbul and partnered in establishing the Istanbul Cerrahi Hospital. Above all, James’ family was most important to him. He so loved them and was devoted to his wife Songul and his children, Yasemin and Scott. He dedicated his considerable talents in raising and teaching his children and his nieces and nephews. His devotion and guidance is reflected in the fine persons they have become. He loved Turkey and considered it to be his second home. He enjoyed oil painting, back country rides, walks along the Bosphorus - stopping to sit and read while enjoying the sunshine and the views.. He had a thirst for knowledge, the soul of an adventurer, never stopped learning and said he was never bored a day in his life. He was unforgettable, loved by many and respected by all. James will truly be missed. He is survived by his wife Songul, daughter Yasemin and son Scott Kingham, sister Karel Kingham Schurdell, mother-in-law Sakine Tatliadim, sisters-in-law Birgul Tatliadim, Nilgun Tatliadim, and nephews Todd Schurdell and Onur Tatliadim. Col. Kingham will be interred at the Sarasota National Cemetery, at 1:30 PM on Friday, June 4th, 2021.