Dr. James Bergin, Age: 92
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Sep 13, 1928---Aug 02, 2021

On Monday, August 2, 2021, Dr James Bergin, loving husband and father of five children, passed away at age 93. Jim was born in Lawrence, Mass. He received his medical degree from Tufts Medical School and practiced medicine for over 40 years. He was a doctor in the US Army for 22 years and then taught medicine at Bethany Medical Center in Kansas City and was a Professor of Medicine at KU. He was married to Barbara Bergin for 67 years. They raised five children, Maureen, Sharon, James, Sean, and Thomas. He had 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. James had a passion for teaching medicine and kept in touch with many of his past medical students. He also loved woodworking and golf. He was known for his quick wit and his infectious smile. He was a great storyteller, and gave the best hugs. A funeral service will be held on Monday, August 9th at Holy Trinity Catholic Church 13615 W 92nd St, Lenexa, KS at 10:30 AM.

 


Condolences

Rowen Zetterman Aug 06, 2021

Friend ,Omaha ,Nebraska

A marvelous friend and mentor during our time together in the American College of Physicians. He brought elegance and his friendly demeanor to our meetings.

Charles Porter MD Aug 07, 2021

Student and friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Dr. Bergin was an exemplar of graciousness as a person, astute clear thinking as a physician and good humored, but demanding rigor as a teacher and mentor to the younger physicians fortunate enough to spend time with him. Experiencing his vast knowledge of medicine and insightful challenges to the physicians in training at KU rotating at Bethany Medical Center was one of the highlights of many interns and residents’ KUMC education. As a golfer he took joy in carrying his clubs, as a person he showed others how to get the most out of their time on the courses of their lives. My condolences to his wife, children and extended family.

walter mcdonald Aug 08, 2021

friend ,Battle Ground ,Washington

Jim and I had much in common including pur love of medicine, teaching, woodworking and a good cigar. He left the world a much better for his efforts

LeAnn Carl Aug 10, 2021

Bethany Medical Center ,Lenexa ,Kansas

Sending deep sympathy to the Bergin Family. So enjoyed working with Dr. Bergin during my years at Bethany Medical Center. He was much admired.

john d norton Sep 06, 2021

resident in internall medicine 1969 til 1973 ,COLORADO SPRINGS ,Colorado

As a medical resident I came to know your dad as a remarkable teacher who instilled in me the joy of practicing medicine. His influence on me was profound and as a retired physician I have never forgotten him nor your family. During those 4 yrs at Fitz I watched all of you begin to grow up, skied with your folks and some of you and occasionally enjoyed a meal or glass of beer with them. Your dad was even instrumental in my marrying my wife of 43 yrs. We wish you the best as your journey moves on. John and Peggy.

Karen E Potter Sep 22, 2021

Bethany Medical Staff Office ,Bennett ,Colorado

I've been thinking of Jim almost constantly for the past 2 months and am sad today to learn of his passing. Fond memories of Jim at Bethany abound; specifically his collection of photos with each class of residents wearing funny glasses. In the fall of 1997, when I confided in him of a job offer I received in Denver, he had me sit with him in the doctors' lounge to talk. I can still hear his voice saying simply, "You need to go." Jim's beautiful soul remains as a welcome embrace. I send so much love to his family - KP

David Vied Jan 13, 2025

friend of Sean ,LAS VEGAS ,Nevada

To the Bergin family: I came across the notice purely by chance. I was lucky enough to have been befriended by Sean, and really the entire family in the 1972 - '73 timeframe. This was right before my mother and I moved to California. I remember that you all moved as well, and that Sean was going through a golfing phase. Your family and your dad embraced me - I felt I was always welcome, and all of you embodied what it meant to be a family. I've never forgotten the kindnesses you extended as my parents went through a divorce, and a strange sort of future beckoned. I'm thrilled to learn of all the grandchildren! I have four of my own now too. Wishing you all the best. David Vied

Patricia Quinn Denier Nov 08, 2025

Friend ,Ruston ,Louisiana

I knew the Bergens when I was 13 yrs old, I babysat Maureen and Sharon my Mom and I lived in a flat in San Francisco and upstairs is where Barbara and Jim Lived He was in the Army then at the Presidio. As a young girl they were so great to me. I loved them both so much. Kindest and loving people I have ever known.