James W. Rhea
Dr. James W. Rhea of the Aramco Medical Department died on Dec. 10 at the Emory Hospital in Atlanta, Ga., where he had been undergoing medical treatment. He was 58.
Dr. Rhea joined the Aramco pediatrics department in 1965 and was named chief of pediatric services in 1969. He is survived by his widow, Ann, daughters Wendy, 23, and Lucille, 22, and son Russell, 15.
Dr. Rhea was well-known throughout the community and particularly in professional circles for his involvement in pediatric-associated problems, particularly problems of nutrition. During his years with Aramco he pioneered a special technique for the tube feeding of infants suffering from malnutrition, and this treatment was the subject of a paper that appeared in The Journal of Pediatrics in June 1973 and figured in presentations before the American Academy of Pediatrics.
The treatment and management of tetanus was also of special interest to Dr. Rhea and the subject of several papers and presentations. "The Effect of Hyperbaric Oxygenation on Neonatal Tetanus" appeared in the July 1967 issue of The Journal of Pediatrics and "New Approaches in Tetanus Therapy" was the subject of a paper printed in the Pahlair Medical Journal in conjunction with a presentation on tetanus Dr. Rhea made to the Pahlevi Medical Congress in Shiraz in 1972. Dr. Rhea also gave a presentation at an international seminar on tetanus held in Senegal in 1975.
Dr. Rhea received his M. D. from New York Medical College in New York City, and served his internship at Bellevue Hospital and his residency at Lenox Hill Hospital, also in New York. He served as a captain in the U. S. Army Medical Corps during World War II, and for the next 20 years had a private pediatrics practice in Columbus, Ga.
Dr. Rhea was a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and was certified by the American Board of Pediatrics.
Dr. Rhea was well-known throughout the community for his interest in sports, particularly tennis, and for his hobby of renovating vintage Rolls Royce automobiles. He owned several over the years, which were the subject of much local interest and invariably featured in any parade held in the community.
Mrs. Rhea may be contacted before Jan. 3 at 28 Peachtree Ave. NE, Apt. No. 10, Atlanta, Ga., 30305. After Jan. 3 Mrs. Rhea will be staying at the home of S. Knight, 1919 Flournoy Dr., Columbus, Ga., 31906. [Photograph]