In memoriam - Dr. James (Jim) Roth

It is with great sadness that we share with you that Dr. Jim Roth, Chair/Chief, Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Schulich Medicine & Dentistry has passed away. A visitation will be held at Westview Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, February 5 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. and again from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. For more information, click here.

A Celebration of Jim's life will be held at Alumni Hall, Western University on Wednesday, February 6 from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Dr. Roth was a beloved and renowned physician and a very proud Western alumnus.

Dr. Roth completed medical school and residency training in orthopaedic surgery at Western University. During his orthopaedic surgery residency he spent one year as Dr. J.C. Kennedy's research resident. Post-residency Fellowship was completed in Hand and Microsurgery at Duke University Medical School prior to starting practice at Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario on January 1, 1982. He quickly rose to the rank of Professor in 1989.

He co-founded the Hand and Upper Limb Centre (HULC) with Dr. Robert McFarlane at St. Joseph's Health Care London in 1992 and served as its Medical Director since its inception. This Centre has grown to be the largest of its kind in Canada and has an international reputation for its research and teaching excellence.

Under Dr. Roth's leadership, HULC scientists developed several new techniques for computer-assisted surgery and surgical innovation; leading to advances in surgical mechatronics, joint design, wound healing, and limb re-implantation in its world-class bioengineering lab. Numerous residents and fellows from across the globe were fortunate to learn from Dr. Roth's clinical and academic expertise that inspired a generation of surgeons, scientists, and leaders. While maintaining a full surgical practice, Dr. Roth was also an outstanding researcher who authored more than 150 scientific publications or book chapters during his career.

As a former member of the Western rugby and football teams, Dr. Roth was passionate about Western. His commitment to the University made an impact in many areas and programs thanks to his tireless fundraising efforts.

Dr. Roth is survived by his wife Barbara, their four children, and grandchildren. Our deepest condolences are extended to his family on this enormous and sudden loss. He will be profoundly missed by faculty, staff, trainees, and patients.