Dr. J. Elliott Blaydes

Prominent ophthalmologist, J. Elliott Blaydes, M.D., peacefully passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 2015 in Bluefield, WV surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his parents James Elliott Blaydes, M.D. and Mabel Hill Blaydes, sisters Elizabeth Blaydes, Nancy Pride and Boyd Sawyer and two sons, James Elliott IV and William Mitchell Blaydes. Elliott was born in 1927 in his beloved Bluefield, West Virginia where he spent his early years and developed his love for the community and its people. He attended high school at the McCallie School in Chattanooga, TN becoming the only two-time recipient of the school’s highest honor, the Grayson Medal. Upon graduation, he entered the U.S. Navy, where as an outstanding leader and athlete, served in the Naval Recruit Swim Training program. After WWII, he attended Princeton University obtaining his undergraduate degree and then continued his education at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia where he was elected president of the Undergraduate Medical Society. Upon receiving his medical doctorate, he was selected for a one year internship at the Pennsylvania Hospital and completed his ophthalmology training at New York University and New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, serving as a chief resident physician. In 1958, he returned to Bluefield to join his father in the field of ophthalmology. His practice focused on bringing the latest advances in eye care to his patients. His professional milestones included the development of new and improved suture materials, surgical instruments and techniques for cataract surgery. Most significant was his use of a small incision for cataract removal and intraocular lens implants which allowed the patient faster physical and visual recovery. For these innovations, research and his educational seminars, he was recognized as a Phaco Pioneer for cataract surgery by the Congress of the United States. As an active leader in national and international eye societies, Dr. Blaydes authored many publications and lectured worldwide. His humanitarian focus included a medical mission to Honduras, the China Vision Project and coordination of the Rural Health Care Symposia in Appalachia. He was past president of the West Virginia Academy of Ophthalmology, an associate examiner for the American Board of Ophthalmology, served on many editorial boards for ophthalmic periodicals and had clinical faculty appointments at WVU and Marshall University. He was also involved in many civic organizations and served on numerous boards on the local, national and international level. For his distinguished career, Dr. Blaydes was recognized with numerous honors and awards within his profession, most notably the American Academy of Ophthalmology Senior Achievement Award and the Lions Club Leonard Jarrett and Melvin Jones Fellow awards. St. Luke’s Hospital, where Dr. Blaydes operated, was designated Humana’s first Center of Excellence in Ophthalmology in 1982. The Blaydes family commitment to ophthalmology since 1921 continues today with the work of his son, Stephen Blaydes, M.D. The Blaydes Clinic has proudly served the people of our area from a heartfelt desire to bring the best available eye care to the region. Many of the milestones Elliott reached are advancements that could have been reached anywhere in the world, but they were achieved in Bluefield. He chose to live and conduct his life’s work in the mountains where his father had come so many years before. In his personal life, Elliott was dedicated to the love of his family and loyalty to his friends. Fun loving with a quick sense of humor and a generous spirit, his charm was that of a true Southern Gentleman. He had a love for the outdoors and was an avid sportsman primarily hunting, fishing, golf and tennis. He authored two books, a biography, “Bringing It Home” and a hunting memoir, “Dogs, Fields and Friends.” His interests and passions were wide ranging from WWII history to hunting dogs, musicals to westerns, The Greenbrier to East River Mountain, dancing to rhododendrons, butter and bacon to champagne! Elliott was always eager to learn new things. As a fierce competitor, he pushed himself towards excellence in everything he undertook. Elliott always had a strong faith that sustained him in his personal and professional life. He was a longtime member, former Deacon and Elder of Westminster Presbyterian Church. Left to cherish his memory, are his loving and devoted wife of 38 years Anita Shrader Blaydes, son Stephen Hill Blaydes, M.D. and wife Kathleen of Bluefield, WV, Elizabeth Blaydes Lewis and husband Andrew of Flowery Branch, GA and daughter Jaime Blaydes Gilliam and husband Randy of Greensboro, NC. He was Poppy and Granddaddy to grandchildren Jennifer and husband David Brooks, Susanna and husband Kenny McMillan, Rebecca Lewis, Abby Lewis and Charles Blaydes. He was great-grandfather to Judah and Willa McMillan and is also survived by his mother-in-law, Audrey Gibson Shrader. In his final years, Elliott was blessed to be attended by his faithful caregivers for whom his family is forever grateful: Tyrone Murray, Darrell Neal, Dashi Sho-Johnson, Mashi Sho-Johnson, Edmond Johnson and Michael Barnes. Elliott was also fortunate to have other special people in his daily life: Kaki Roach, Linda Caywood, Deborah Wooley, Remona Robinson and Mel Thomas. Over the years he had the opportunity to work alongside so many wonderful employees of the Blaydes Clinic, who he dearly treasured. He also greatly respected and admired his fellow professional colleagues throughout his career. A visitation will be held on Friday, May 22nd at Mercer Funeral Home, 1231 W. Cumberland Road, Bluefield, WV from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. A funeral service conducted by Pastor Jonathan Rockness will take place on Saturday, May 23rd at 11:00 am at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2005 Washington Street, Bluefield, WV. Burial will follow at Monte Vista Park Cemetery in Green Valley. All are welcome to attend and celebrate a life well lived by J. Elliott Blaydes. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church or the Blaydes Eye Foundation. Those wishing to share memories or condolence messages with the family may do so by visiting www.MercerFuneralHome.com Mercer Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family of J. Elliott Blaydes, M.D.

Dr. J. Elliott Blaydes

February 26, 1927 - May 19, 2015