James J. Elting, MD

1939 - 2012

James J. Elting, MD obituary, 1939-2012

FUNERAL HOME

Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home

14 Grand Street

Oneonta, New York

James Elting, Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 13, 2012.

James Elting, M.D., a highly regarded orthopaedic surgeon at Bassett Healthcare, died Friday August 10 after a brief and unexpected illness.

Dr. Elting was born on August 4, 1939 in Neptune New Jersey to parents Julia Thompson and Stephen Gerow Elting. He grew up in the New York/New Jersey area and, while attending high school in Belleville, N.J., was introduced to a sport that became a life-long passion – rowing. He attended Yale College, where he was an English major and competed on the Varsity men's rowing team. Graduating with honors in 1961, he went on to medical school at the College of Physicians & Surgeons at Columbia University. With medical school classmates, he helped found the Old Blue Rugby Club, which, he was proud to say, went on to become one of the most feared rugby powers in the country.

Dr. Elting first came to the Cooperstown area during his internship at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in 1966-68; it was during this time that he developed a deep love for the area and its residents. Following his internship he served in the Navy, as the First Medical Officer aboard the USS Columbus, the flagship of the Sixth Fleet. He went on to complete a residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at Yale New Haven Hospital, at a time when innovations in joint replacement surgery were changing the field of orthopaedics in a dramatic fashion.

In 1973 Dr. Elting returned to upstate New York and established a medical practice, Otsego Orthopaedics, in Oneonta, becoming the first Orthopedic Surgeon on the staff of A.O. Fox Hospital. For decades, the practice's signature logo of the spouting whale adorned T shirts, programs, and advertisements for the numerous sporting events and charities supported by Dr. Elting. It was his life-long love of sports that led him to incorporate sports medicine into his practice, in addition to the specialty of joint replacement surgery. He felt privileged to care for generations of families and athletes in the area.

During his years in private practice he travelled extensively, teaching surgical techniques and lecturing throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia. Dr. Elting's papers were published in national journals of Orthopedics, and he held several patents for total hip design. He served as an Orthopaedic Surgeon at the 1980 Olympic Games in Lake Placid.

In 1995, he joined the staff of Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital as senior orthopaedic surgeon and clinical assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery, returning to the hospital where he had trained so many years before, taking pride in helping train another generation of young physicians.

Dr. Elting was dedicated to his community, serving on many boards including the Ricky J. Parisian Foundation and Planned Parenthood of Delaware and Otsego Counties.
Dr. Elting was a tireless and faithful supporter of Hartwick College for almost four decades. He was a member of the John Christopher Hartwick Volunteer Program since 1999, was a past President of the Hartwick College Citizens Board and served on College Board of Trustees for 21 years. Dr. Elting had been Chair of the Board of Trustees since 2009. He also served as a member of Hartwick's 2002 and 2007 Presidential Search Committees and the most recently served in various capacities for The Campaign for Hartwick Students.

The Elting Gallery at Hartwick College was named for Dr. James and Karen Elting in 1990. The Fitness Center in the Binder Physical Education building was dedicated to James J. Elting, MD in 1993. Dr. Elting, along with Karen, received the Outstanding Citizens of the Year Award from Hartwick College in 2006. Dr. Elting has spent countless hours working with student-athletes, coaches, and Sports Medicine staff through the years and he was an avid spectator at Hawk athletic events.

Dr. Elting's volunteerism did not end with the local community. In 1977 he spent a month working at a hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan prior to the Afghan Russian war, volunteering through Care Medico. His concern for the health care and politics of the region led to his return in 1985, accompanied by his wife Karen, to Peshawar, Pakistan where he cared for Afghan refugees displaced by the war.

A relentless amateur athlete, Jim ran in the Marine Corps marathon, and competed in numerous masters rowing competitions around the world. With a team comprised of former classmates, the Yale Old Fellows Rowing Association (YOFRA) brought home medals from competitions in Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, Scotland, Canada and the US. He also crewed on several ocean sailing races, most notably in the TRANSPAC, a 2-week race from Long Beach, California to Honolulu, Hawaii. In recent years Dr. Elting had become an enthusiastic member of the Oneonta Sportsman's Club, and had added a new group of friends to his life.

He was a consummate traveler who took great joy in the journey, not just the destination. He and his wife Karen enjoyed many travel adventures together, and Jim always had a great story to tell.

And he looked darn good in a kilt.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Karen; his children Kimberley Elting and her husband Stewart Cohen, Laird Elting and her husband Jean Robert, and William M. Elting; his step children Regan Wesson and her husband Steve, and Clay Curley and his wife Anne Marie; and his grandchildren Amy, Mark, Teal, India, Reid, Matthew and Petra. Also surviving are his brother, William W. Elting of Houston, TX, and several sisters- and brothers-in-law.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, August 16 from 5 to 8 PM at the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home,
14 Grand St in Oneonta. A Memorial Service celebrating Jim's life will be held on Saturday August 18, 2012, one o'clock pm at the Lambros Arena at the Binder Athletic Center at Hartwick College.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dr. Elting's memory may be made to one of his favorite organizations:

The Old Blue Rugby Foundation, Inc.
PO Box 892
New York NY 10021-0002

Friends of Bassett
1 Atwell Rd
Cooperstown, NY 13326


Hartwick College
College Advancement
P.O. Box 4020
Oneonta, NY 13820

Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website at www.grummonsfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are by the Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home, Oneonta.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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November 1, 2012

J Patrick Whalen

Dr Elting replaced both of my hips, which allowed me to continue one of my passions...bicycling. One of his remarkable characteristics was the confidence he instilled in his patients, allowing them to put their minds at ease after surgery. Because of Dr Eltings gift of being a remarkable sugeon, I have bicycled in some of the nicest places in the country, and abroad. I will forever be grateful.

September 24, 2012

Susan Feliu

I will never forget the day my baby (10 months) went to the OR to have tubes inserted in her ears. She was having a rough time coming out of the anesthesia and I was completely overwhelmed. As I was trying to console her, Dr. Elting walked up and just took her out of my arms and walked with her in his arms up and down the corridor. Such a random act of kindness- I'll never forget that side of him !!

September 13, 2012

Marilyn & Joel Bamford

We remember Jim at Bassett when we all arrived as new interns and families, in late June, 1966. What energy he had for absolutely everything he did. And kindness in every respect. We are so sorry that you lost him far too early.

August 27, 2012

IT IS A CONSOLATION THAT A LARGER-THAN -LIFE- MAN IN A KILT IS HOVERING ABOUT , PROTECTING US ALL.
I AM SENDING LOVE AND COURAGE TO ALL OF THE ELTINGS,
MAME McCARRON

August 23, 2012

Kate Fullerton

Please know of our sympathy and prayers. Dr. Elting was a man like no other.He will be missed by so many. His smile and kind words will live on in my memory. Peace to you Karen and your family.

August 18, 2012

Kirk Richardson

As a patient of Dr. Elting's for the last 21 years and a double hip replacement recipient, Dr. Elting will be missed. He was always a strong advocate and put his patients care first. A man of few words, direct, honest, and with a dry wit to make it bearable when things were at their worst. A great surgeon and a warm human being, a talent hard to find. My condolence's to his family, friends, and fellow medical staff.

August 18, 2012

Barbara Johnson

What a vital, energetic, engaging man, I am so sad to hear of his sudden passing. I was thinking of him when seeing the crew teams in the Olympics, his passion for and his personal success with the sport. I see him now dancing in the kitchen to the great music he played. He was always so welcoming and fun at summer get togethers. He will be so missed in our lives. Barbara Johnson, Massachusetts

August 17, 2012

BOB SEIBERT

Dear Karen and Family

We are deeply saddened by the loss of your wonderful husband, our most precious Doctor and Caretaker, and a friend of all in the Oneonta Community. He gave of himself and his resources in such a meaningful way. His contributions to the Catskill Symphony Orchestra are greatly appreciated. We will all miss this most wonderful man. God Bless.

BOB SEIBERT, PAT & FAMILY
SIDNEY, NY

August 17, 2012

Susan Dana-LeViness

My sincere sympathy to Dr. Elting's family. I credit my mother's ability to walk so well to his skills and concern.

August 17, 2012

katherine O'Connell

The world has lost a gifted and wonderful man. May he rest in peace.
Katherine O'Connell, Delhi, NY

August 16, 2012

Dr Elting was a wonderful doctor and a kind, caring man. I was a patient on a few occasions and was very saddenned to hear of his passing. He will be greatly missed. D Z

August 16, 2012

Jim slipped away before I realized how sick he was. He was a great man a great friend. He gave of himself. He played rugby with passion and commitment and I alway admired his commit not to personal glory but the team. He will be long remember by his Old Blue mates.

John Wellington

August 16, 2012

Dearest Karen and Family,
Our hearts are heavy with the loss of Jim. Please know that our thoughts are with you. We will always remember him as a generous and loving soul.
Sally & Neil Baker

August 16, 2012

Ed Malmstrom

Jim and I became friends through the Old Blue Rugby Club for which we both played at different times. Jim was one of our most loyal, generous, and committed "old boys" . He and Karen attended virtually all of our annual reunions and in 2008 was honored by receiving the prestigious "Spirit of Old Blue award". The dinner is a fairly formal event and Jim was nattily dressed in his kilt when accepting the award. I know all of us will miss him deeply and are proud that he was a member of the Old Blue family and a good friend. Ed

August 16, 2012

Bonnie Sheldon

Sending condolences to his family, he will be missed dearly. I will miss his bright smile and great laugh..

August 16, 2012

Robert O. Baratta, MD

As a long time friend and medical school classmate,I was stunned to hear of Jim's death. I have never met another individual who possesses all of Jim's talents and charm. My prayers go to him and his family. Bob Baratta, MD

August 15, 2012

To all who loved and were touched by Dr. Elting we send our heartfelt condolences. Kim, Stewart, Teal and Reid, please know that the Kraus family is thinking about you and sending love. We hold you in our heart.

Lisa, Peter, Will, Nick and Jack Kraus, Dallas, Texas

August 15, 2012

Anna Warren (Lenga)

I had the priviledge of working with Dr.Elting in my career. He was instrumental in the the referral for my young son with his illness. He was a pioneer in many respects and I will never forget his kindness with "Capi" and all he did to help my family. He was always kind and funny. A consumate professinal and all round great man. My condolences to his family. Anna Warren

August 15, 2012

william revicki jr.

everything dr. elting did was from the heart it was a joy to know him and have him as my dr.will dearly miss him

August 15, 2012

Dan and Susan Cuozzo

Karen, Will and family,
Dan will fondly remember Jim taking him under his wing when he started at Bassett, being Jim's office neighbor allowed them to interact and relate about their family lives and travels. We remember the enjoyable times we had socially with you both, especially the Christmas party you and Jim attended at our home. We will always remember the extraordinary life he lived.

August 15, 2012

Vince & Esther Toscano

Every now and then, a person is lucky enough to meet someone in the walk of life that leaves a profound impact. I was lucky enough to meet that someone in the name of Jim Elting. It was not only his great generosity that he gave to so many but also his enduring charm and wisdom. My deepest heartfelt sympathy goes to his family and Karen. May God bless and I will always remember you Jim. RIP Dr. Jim.

Vince & Esther Toscano

August 15, 2012

Jack Beal

We are going to miss Jim Elting forever. His Thursday visits between Delhi and Oneonta were high points in our lives, We cannot believe he is gone. Farewell old friend. Sondra Freckelton and Jack Beal

August 15, 2012

Mike Shonstrom

I had always wanted to get Jim in a boat and have a row. I tried to get him to join a crew I put together for the San Diego Crew Classic just a few years ago. He couldn't make it and the opportunity passed. But the next time I slide an oar into the oarlock, drop it into the water and give it a pull, I will think of him and our friendship.

August 15, 2012

Judith Sweet

My sincere condolences. Jim will sorely be missed. He was a caring physician, proud father,loving husband, and a true gentleman. I had the privilege of knowing him socially, as a patient, as well as working with him professionally. Watching him interact with his hospitalized patients, it was obvious that he was repected and trusted by his patients. The community, and medical profession, has loss a great asset.

August 14, 2012

We offer our condolences to the entire family. We are truly saddened by your loss. We wish to extend our thoughts and prayers to you all. Sincerely, Scott and Donna Corrigan,St Albans,VT

August 14, 2012

Sally & Bob Dwyer

We were very surprised to hear of Dr. Elting's passing. He was a doctor to both of us & respected by us both. Our sincere condolences to the family.

August 14, 2012

A half century of Old Blue rugby players are grateful for the ceaseless devotion, generosity and cheerfulness of first-generation Old Blue Jim Elting. Thank you, Elts, for your kindness and friendship to me. An exemplar of the Spirit of Old Blue. Gratefully, Rich Coppo

August 14, 2012

Art Lee

I cannot imagine a world without Jim Elting in it. He was my orthopedist, yes, but he was also a friend, and I will always treasure the time we spent together. From time to time I would give him a necktie, and I will never forget the sparkle they would bring to his eyes. And from time to time, he would give me photographs, featuring the love of the sporting life we shared. They lit up my heart and will always continue to do so. As a fellow English literature major, I only wish we had shared Yale--where I would have tried to copy his homework. As we Irishers like to say, "God Bless" which says it all. We were blessed to have had you. Now it is His turn.

August 14, 2012

Jennifer Blumberg

i was a patient of Dr Eltings for the last 5 years. He helped me through 2 hip surgeries in my early thirties, fighting insurance companies for me along the way. He was my savior through my pain. My heart is heavy and our community has lost a great man.

August 14, 2012

Nicki Jones

Dr. Elting I have learned so much from you over the past 5 years, and I will never forget what you have taught me. I will miss seeing that smile of yours first thing in the morning, and I know that your patients will miss you as well. It is hard to imagine that I will not see you sitting at your desk at the end of the hall. You will be greatly missed, and never forgotten.

August 14, 2012

Al Shealy

Though our paths rarely crossed, the bond of friendship forged through the great sport of rowing was unbreakable and timeless. This was a remarkable man, driven by his passions and compassion to achieve great things, but nothing greater than his love of family and friends. I am fortunate to be his friend and fellow competitor and will miss him greatly. Karen, my most heartfelt sympathies go out to you and your fine family, along with sincerest wishes that your suffering is lessened by the embrace of warm memories, friendships, and the bright lights Jim left burning in the arc of his passage.

August 14, 2012

Sally Herbert

I will miss Jim.... His sense of humor and joy added a wonderful perspective to our times together at Hartwick. I respected him deeply and appreciated his loyal, thoughtful and kind nature. My deepest condolences to his family....

August 14, 2012

Cynthia Burger

The members and staff of the Otsego County Medical Society are saddened at the untimely passing of our colleague. Our condolences to the Elting family.

August 14, 2012

Susan LaHullier-Robson

I was very sad to hear of Dr. Eltings' passing. He was not only a wonderful doctor but also a very compationate person. I know I will never find a doctor that can replace him.

August 14, 2012

Vicky Deming

For so many years, since 1987, Dr. Elting helped me! Surgery after surgery and painful shots, the end result was always a lifting of my pain. I am so going to miss his smile and joking attitude! Every time I saw him, things always got better. I will miss him terribly. My condolences to his family . . . Thank you Dr. Elting for helping me so much. I will miss you!

August 14, 2012

Clarke Pauley

I have such fond memories of sailing to Hawaii with Jim in the Transpac '83. His smile, laugh, and dry sense of humor brought light to any situation. What a loss, yet what an extraordinary life of contribution on so many levels. The world is a much better place today because of Jim.

August 14, 2012

Timothy Braddock

Karen and family I am so sorry about losing Jim. He was always larger than life but down to earth. When I started the mobile telephone company, he was an early backer. Always gave me moments of time to talk about whatever. Dinner at Rizzos was always a fun occasion. A consummate wonderful human being.

August 14, 2012

Amelie Marchesseau

My heart goes out to Karen, Kimberly, Stewart, Will, Laird, and Jean Robert as well as the rest of the family. It was so nice to see everyone at the last celebration in Dallas for Teal...though brief. I hope you find peace soon in spite of your incredible loss of a great man. What a breath of fresh air, full of smiles and stories he was. All love to the family, Amelie

August 14, 2012

Tom Pritchard

I was surprised and saddened to learn of Jim's passing. He was an exceptional individual in so many of the endeavors which he supported and participated in with such enthusiasm. He always challenged those he worked with and cared for to put forth their best effort, as he did.

My sincerest condolences to Karen, Kim, Laird, and George Mitchell. The greater Oneonta and Otsego County area was fortunate to have such a good a citizen who contributed so greatly to the quality of life which we enjoy here.

August 13, 2012

william burr

I have seen Dr Elting since i was 4 yrs old now im 42 he did all my hip replacements what i like most bout him is he told it the way it was didnt hold anything back he was a great Dr and person and will be dearly missed by me and all that knew him may he rest in peace

August 13, 2012

Dr. Elting I am going to miss you so much. Over the years I got to know you and you helped me so much every time I needed you. To his family you lsot a great man and our community lost one of the BEST Dr's ever. I can't even imagine not being able to have him as my Dr. Jan-Mt. Vision,NY

August 13, 2012

Suzanne DeMulder

Jim Elting was a friend of mine...I'm going to miss his infectious smile...his thoughtfulness and compassion...always fun to be with, whether we were scrubbed in the OR together... tasting wine (he turned me onto La Crema and dessert wine)...or sharing emails about his wonderful vacations and family...he was a caring, loving person, that I was lucky enough and feel honored to have known. I will miss him!

August 13, 2012

Norma (Briggs) Bear

I was shocked to hear of Dr. Elting's death. I was a nurse at Fox and worked with him in the late 1970s and he taught me so much about Orthopedics. He even let me watch him perform a total hip and a total knee! I also remember hearing about the "Yale Nail", that he apparently was responsible for. He was always willing to answer questions and was a great educator. Thank you Dr. Elting, may you rest in peace.

August 13, 2012

Linda Kruger

I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Dr. Elting. It is hard to imagine that someone who was committed to helping improve the quality of life of so many others is no longer here. He will truly be missed. May you feel comforted by thoughts of many that are with you at this time of sorrow and may your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of a beloved man that will live on forever.

August 13, 2012

Jean and Dave Carey

We were very sad to hear of Dr. Elting's death. What a sweet person.

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