Welcome to the memorial page for
James Elwood Herlocher
August 4, 1935 ~ May 27, 2015 (age 79) 79 Years Old Light a Candle
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A candle was lit by Kathryn Deloria
on June 7, 2015 11:39 AM
Message from Kathryn Deloria
June 7, 2015 11:38 AM
My condolences to the family of this wonderful man. He saved my father's life and then became good friends with him. I loved to see him in public. Always a kind conversation and a hug. He is missed by many I am sure.
A candle was lit by The family of Tamila and Tom Walker, Jr.
on June 5, 2015 3:48 AM
A candle was lit by Linda Parsons
on June 3, 2015 10:01 PM
Message from Kenyon Family
June 3, 2015 5:58 PM
To: Sherry et.al.
From: John Kenyon
Subject: Herlocker and the Hippie
I’m the “trusted co-worker” mentioned in Jim’s obit. He and I go back to the 60’s in was a hippie and he was, well, a Herlocker: a product of small town Pennsylvania, schooled at Penn State and Jefferson Medical, definitely a type A. I was impressed with his ferocious tenacity to survive the brutal, cut-throat cardio-thoracic residency at U of M. What he saw in me remains enigmatic. At any rate, both of us survived the political pearls of Ann Arbor in the 60’s, he in medicine, me in undergrad.
In the early 70’s, I remember him asking around the OR down there if anyone wanted to go north with him and start an open heart program. Most people responded: “ Where? Petoskey? Where the hell is that?” I knew, and my wife and kids and I jumped at the chance to move north. In the beginning the program was precarious and problemsome, yet we did it and clearly helped and saved many more that we harmed. I’m proud of those years, and I’m sure he felt the same.
Those of you who knew him knew his love, indeed his passion for fishing. He invited me once to join him.
“Be at the boat at 5:45,” he said.
“Wait,” I said. “That’s when Nancy and I eat dinner.”
“What? No you fool. It’s 5:45 AM! That’s prime time.”
Nervously I accepted.
Now, I’m a kid from Detroit and my idea of fishing is sitting in a rowboat, a cooler full of beer, and carton of worms, a line in the water, drifting along with the wind and waves. Not Jim. He powered out of the Petoskey marina, hooked up the clios and set the downriggers and fired up the fish finder as we trolled from the cement plant to Harbor Point.
“Fish on,” he screeched.
Through my somnolent daze I grabbed a pole. It felt like we had hooked a log.
“Play him,” Jim said. “Acts like a big one.”
Sleepy and sluggish, I lost the fish within 30 seconds.
“Damn, Kenyon. You Suck.”
Then he picks up the radio. “Ruddyduck, Ruddyduck- do you copy? I’ve got the Mayor of Harbor Springs on board and he just dumped a huge beautiful salmom. Think I’m gonna keelhaul him.”
So much for fun and fishin’ with Jim.
Finally, let me share with you my final surgical case with Jim. His arthritic hip was really bothering him, the case grew longer and tedious and worrisome, but we finished, got it done.
“Kenyon, tell me honestly. Should I quit doin’ this stuff?”
“Your call boss, but if you think you can no longer help out patients, then yes, hang it up.”
He did, the following week.
For me, it was the end of a 25 year surgical partnership that was at times tumultuous, trying, troubling yet always tempered with a mutual trust. He taught me a lot about work ethic, perseverance and patient advocacy, not to mention a multitude of surgical skills. For all that, I remain supremely grateful.
From: John Kenyon
Subject: Herlocker and the Hippie
I’m the “trusted co-worker” mentioned in Jim’s obit. He and I go back to the 60’s in was a hippie and he was, well, a Herlocker: a product of small town Pennsylvania, schooled at Penn State and Jefferson Medical, definitely a type A. I was impressed with his ferocious tenacity to survive the brutal, cut-throat cardio-thoracic residency at U of M. What he saw in me remains enigmatic. At any rate, both of us survived the political pearls of Ann Arbor in the 60’s, he in medicine, me in undergrad.
In the early 70’s, I remember him asking around the OR down there if anyone wanted to go north with him and start an open heart program. Most people responded: “ Where? Petoskey? Where the hell is that?” I knew, and my wife and kids and I jumped at the chance to move north. In the beginning the program was precarious and problemsome, yet we did it and clearly helped and saved many more that we harmed. I’m proud of those years, and I’m sure he felt the same.
Those of you who knew him knew his love, indeed his passion for fishing. He invited me once to join him.
“Be at the boat at 5:45,” he said.
“Wait,” I said. “That’s when Nancy and I eat dinner.”
“What? No you fool. It’s 5:45 AM! That’s prime time.”
Nervously I accepted.
Now, I’m a kid from Detroit and my idea of fishing is sitting in a rowboat, a cooler full of beer, and carton of worms, a line in the water, drifting along with the wind and waves. Not Jim. He powered out of the Petoskey marina, hooked up the clios and set the downriggers and fired up the fish finder as we trolled from the cement plant to Harbor Point.
“Fish on,” he screeched.
Through my somnolent daze I grabbed a pole. It felt like we had hooked a log.
“Play him,” Jim said. “Acts like a big one.”
Sleepy and sluggish, I lost the fish within 30 seconds.
“Damn, Kenyon. You Suck.”
Then he picks up the radio. “Ruddyduck, Ruddyduck- do you copy? I’ve got the Mayor of Harbor Springs on board and he just dumped a huge beautiful salmom. Think I’m gonna keelhaul him.”
So much for fun and fishin’ with Jim.
Finally, let me share with you my final surgical case with Jim. His arthritic hip was really bothering him, the case grew longer and tedious and worrisome, but we finished, got it done.
“Kenyon, tell me honestly. Should I quit doin’ this stuff?”
“Your call boss, but if you think you can no longer help out patients, then yes, hang it up.”
He did, the following week.
For me, it was the end of a 25 year surgical partnership that was at times tumultuous, trying, troubling yet always tempered with a mutual trust. He taught me a lot about work ethic, perseverance and patient advocacy, not to mention a multitude of surgical skills. For all that, I remain supremely grateful.
Message from Tammy Nevel
June 3, 2015 12:55 PM
Dear Herlocher Family,
I worked in the ICU at Northern Michigan Hospital and cared for many of Dr. Herlocher's open heart patients. I remember him well and working with him closely to assist them in their recovery. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. So sorry to hear of the loss of a physician who gave so much to those in need. May God bless you all.
I worked in the ICU at Northern Michigan Hospital and cared for many of Dr. Herlocher's open heart patients. I remember him well and working with him closely to assist them in their recovery. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. So sorry to hear of the loss of a physician who gave so much to those in need. May God bless you all.
A FEATHERY PALM PLANT was sent on June 3, 2015
Sherri, John, Steven- condolences to you during this difficult time. Wish we could be there to celebrate Uncle Jim. I still hear affectionately remember his, G-dang it, Fred, I wish Kim could have known him. Take care of yourselves. Anne Kim
Message from Anne Wuesthoff-niece
June 3, 2015 10:29 AM
Uncle Jim's big smile and laugh will be missed. He was always larger than life to me and I looked up to him. He lives on through his kids and particularly his grandson Steven who is a spittin image of him. He is probably mixing up and laughing in heaven playing some type of prank even now. Much love to Sherrie and those who are very sad now. XO Anne
Message from Ben and Joan Kleinstiver
June 2, 2015 11:22 PM
Sherry, John, Steve and family, May you find comfort in the warm memories you shared. Rest in peace, Jim. Our thought and prayers are with and your loved ones. Ben and Joan Kleinstiver and family
Message from Larry E. & Lorraine M. Warner
June 2, 2015 5:49 PM
JIm could be intimidating until you got to know him and to understand him. Behind the facade of "take charge attitude" was a big, kind, sensitive heart. And believe me, He knew the heart inside and out. I loved Jim's sense of humor and his ongoing "sage" advice from what dog food to purchase to the best wine for the money. Jim could get along with anyone and was dedicated to his patients. Day or night you could reach Jim and take care of the problem. He could sometimes help one get through all the red tape and deal with the "emergency.at hand. Jim could also recommend various restaurants for those "specials." Especially Villa Ristorante IItaliano!"
Message from John R. Rasmussen M.D.
June 2, 2015 1:23 PM
I enjoyed working with Jim and relished our tennis matches.
He really was the one who established "Open Heart" Surgery at Little Traverse Hospital.
I respected him as a Physician and I remember him as a friend.
Sorry to see you go,Jim.
JR
He really was the one who established "Open Heart" Surgery at Little Traverse Hospital.
I respected him as a Physician and I remember him as a friend.
Sorry to see you go,Jim.
JR
Message from Paul Desy
June 2, 2015 12:46 PM
I remember when Dr. & Mrs. Herlocher purchased outdoor furniture from Home Depot for your home on Mullett. There were some issues and I was able to bring the furniture to you and assemble it at your home. It was a pleasure to talk to both of you and it was evident what a fine man Dr. Herlocher was. His family has many memories to cherish.
A candle was lit by Bob Steward and Beth Dorey Steward
on June 1, 2015 9:39 PM
A candle was lit by Sy and Mabel Budzinski
on June 1, 2015 6:51 PM
Message from Marjorie Thibeault
June 1, 2015 6:43 PM
My sympathies go out to Sherry and all of Jim's family. I enjoyed waiting on him (them) during my years at This Old House in Cheboygan.
A candle was lit by Marjorie Thibeault
on June 1, 2015 6:41 PM
A SWEET AND WARM REMEMBRANCE PEDESTAL ARRANGEMENT was ordered on June 1, 2015
Message from Gene Ragland MD
June 1, 2015 10:03 AM
I was an intern on the thoracic surgery service at St Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor in 1970 when Jim was an attending physician. He was a competent and caring doctor and individual. I will remember him fondly. I extend condolences to his family.
Message from Don Miller
May 30, 2015 3:33 PM
Jim's classmates from the Lock Haven High School class of 1953 would like to express their condolences to his family, Rest in peace Jim, we know the last few years have been very difficult for you.It was nice Jim made it to the 60th class reunion in 2013 despite the health problems he was experiencing.
God Bless
God Bless
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