James Alyea

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Dr. James O. Alyea, 78, of Columbia passed away Thursday, May 12, 2005, at Ashland Healthcare.

He was born Feb. 5, 1927, in Rock Creek, Kan., son of William S. Jr. and Muriel R. Good Alyea. He and Bertha Anna Christensen were married Aug. 10, 1950, in Ortonville, Minn.

Alyea attended schools at Valley Falls and Atchison, Kan. He was also a graduate of Kansas University with a bachelor of arts degree, receiving the Phi Beta Kappa Award. He was a 1954 graduate of the Kansas University Medical School.

Alyea was in general practice in Nevada, Iowa, for four years, where he also served as county coroner. He then began a two-year anesthesiology residency at the University of Minnesota. He was associated with anesthesiologist G.R. Weeks, M.D., in Cape Girardeau for 14 years.

Alyea joined the faculty of the University Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiologists, in 1976. In 1979, joined the Anesthesia Department at Ellis Fischel Cancer Hospital. Before his retirement, he was associated with Columbia Anesthesia Associates, serving Boone Hospital and Columbia Regional Hospital.

Alyea served with the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was a member of Campus Lutheran Church and a lifetime member of the American Legion.

Survivors include his wife, Bertha, of Columbia; a daughter, Kristin Ann Fowlkes of Diamond Head, Miss.; three sons, James E. Alyea of Blue Springs, Mo., Daniel P. Alyea of Alton, Ill., and Eric S. Alyea of Dallas, Texas; and four grandchildren, Claire, Jacob, Rose and Kelsey.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, W.S. Alyea III.

Burial was in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association, Mid-Missouri Chapter, 1121 Business Loop 70 E., Columbia, Mo. 65201.