James M.D.

MADISON - James Joseph Brill, M.D., age 72, passed away Thursday April 16, 2015 at his home in his sleep.
Jim was born July 16, 1942 in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. After graduating from Pacelli High School, he attended the University of Notre Dame, completing early his degree in pre-medicine, in 3� years. For the � year before regular start of medical school, Jim worked at Marshfield Clinic's Laboratories. He then attended Marquette University School of Medicine (renamed as Medical College of Wisconsin). Jim married Mary Margaret Hinkforth on August 13, 1966. He interned at Columbia Hospital, Milwaukee and then completed his three year residency in anesthesiology at Medical College of Wisconsin. Jim went on the Berry program, deferring his military obligation until finishing his residency, and served as Chief of Anesthesia at Walson Army Hospital, Fort Dix, New Jersey, 1972-1974. Jim joined the Madison Anesthesia Group, working at Madison General Hospital and St Mary's Hospital. He was on the Board of the Anesthesia Group and subsequently elected President as the Group split between Madison General Hospital, where he stayed, and Saint Mary's Hospital. Meriter Hospital, where he next continued, and Physicians Plus Insurance Corporation resulted from Methodist Hospital joining with Madison General Hospital. Jim suffered heart failure in November 1994 from inheriting a previously unknown low HDL cholesterol. He learned heart care, including healthy cooking. His family and all benefited by his efforts. Jim felt healthy food preparation was a lot like giving anesthesia. Jim is survived by his loving wife Mary of 48 years, their son Robert James, daughter-in-law Dr. Lisa Forman, grandchildren Clarissa Marie and Colette Renee Brill-Forman, daughter Aimee Monica Johnson, son-in-law Dr. Scott Johnson, and grandchildren Michael James and Annika Aimee. He is further survived by his brothers Mark (Janis; nephews Christopher and Alexander), Peter (Mary; niece Sarah and nephew Eric), David (partner Mike Martin), Michael (Carol; niece Elizabeth and nephew Matthew), and nephews Scott and Todd Fortune (children of deceased sister Mary). He is also survived by brother-in-law Richard Hinkforth (Sherri; nieces Lisa, Jill, and Kristen). Jim was preceded in death by his father Lawrence (Maxine) at age 95, mother Florence (married to Lawrence until death), sister Mary Fortune (Michael), infant brother Thomas, and in-laws Raymond and Margaret Hinkforth. Special thanks to Dr. Wayne Eugene Musser and Dr. David Ciske. Their kindness, dedication, and compassion will be remembered always. The family thanks St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church for the funeral held April 21, 2015. Gifts can be made to the church or charity of one's choice.

Jim, you are in our hearts forever. Now rest in peace.


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6021 University Avenue
Madison, Wi 53705
608-238-8406