JAMES "JIM" ROBERT BOGSTAD, PA-C
CWO4 USN (Ret)
December 12, 1946 - April 29, 1992

The obituary reads like most: Jim passed away at his residence after a long illness on Wednesday, 29 April 1992. He was born in Philadelphia, PA on 12 December 1946. Jim was a Physician Assistant, a retired naval officer and was Protestant by faith. He is survived by his wife Rosella, two sons, James Jr. and Brian; two daughters, Dawn and Kelly; his father Grant, two brothers Gary and Bobby, and three grandchildren. He was laid to rest with full military honors at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.

The above is all that is really necessary for the people who knew Jim. We can reflect at the way he touched our lives and can share the memories of the past. However, there are many people out there that vaguely remember his name, others that remember how his clinical skills had cured what ailed them and still others that remember how he literally saved their lives. I can honestly say that the latter category of people will range into the hundreds.

Those of you who remember him will recall that he looked older than his years. His early adult life was hard on him until he found a better way. He began his recovery over twelve years ago, but not only did he savor his own healing, he felt that he needed to help others. As both a PA and a Substance Abuse Treatment specialist, he helped many to deal with a weakness in their personalities and turned that weakness into their strength.

Jim did not stop there. He recognized that there were many in the healing professions that suffered as well. Maybe not from an addiction, but perhaps they came from dysfunctional families or had suffered from a personal tragedy. Because it was perceived that by their profession they were strong, they din not allow themselves to feel their own emotions.

Jim helped form the Twelve Step Caucus of the AAPA, represented the AAPA as a point of contact for PAs seeking help and was also the Impaired Physician Assistant Coordinator for FAPA. He was published in the PA Journal and was actively sought for his opinions in treatment, not only by his PA colleagues, but by other health care professionals nationwide.

In his illness, Jim suffered many setbacks. The complications he suffered after surgery left him in the hospital for many weeks that ran into months. When we last spoke, he told me that being a patient was very hard, yet he would make his "rounds" thru the hospital, talking with staff members at the nursing stations, giving a cheerful hello to his fellow patients and a comforting comment for family members who were anxiously awaiting the results of their loved ones' cardiac procedures. He had intended to write an article to share his experiences with others as to what it felt like being on the other side of the fence, but his higher power had other plans for him.

I am proud to say that Jim was a close personal friend. He sort of reminded me of Yoda, that loveable little character in Star Wars. Yoda was short, wise and would help Luke Skywalker recognize his own potential. Jim too was short, wise and helped others recognize their potential, but he was not a fictional character. He was a real as life itself. He gave of himself freely and hoped that those he touched would benefit from his wisdom, but he would never force his opinions on them. He was always there for a friend, no matter what day, time or who the individual might be. The friend could be a total stranger, but if he asked for help, Jim would be there for him.

I had the opportunity of coordinating his retirement from the Navy after 26 years of ervice to his country. I did not realize then that I would participate in honoring him at his passing. When he left the Navy, I reminded him that he was still part of the Navy and that he was just going to a form of independent duty. Now he was transferred again, this time on an unaccompanied tour with special assignment from the Supreme Commander. Knowing Jim as I do, I figure he is already setting up his office and getting ready for us to visit when our time comes.

As I said earlier, the obituary reads like most, but the surviving family was cut a little short. Had it listed all those who considered Jim family, it would have had to be a separate section the Tampa Tribune. In the nautical tradition, Jim, I wish you "Fair winds and a following sea", and I know our courses will cross again in time.

The above article is from the FAPA Journal, Summer 1992 and was written by Pat Ivory, PA-C

If you know of other physician assistants from Florida who have passed away, please send information to us on them as well for inclusion in this Memorial section. If you would like to add to the article, or provide a picture for publication you are encouraged to submit that to the Webmaster.

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