Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Dr. John Raymond Kingsley, 72, of Birmingham, died on July 29, 2014, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, due to an injury suffered from a fall. There was a celebration of John’s life held on Saturday, August 2, 2014, at Iz the Place in Vestavia Hills.
Born in Kansas City, Missouri, John spent most of his childhood years in Pensacola, Florida. While in college he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, subsequently graduating from the University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, in 1970.
He completed his internship and residency while stationed at Bethesda Naval Hospital (Maryland), before transferring to Naval Hospital Pensacola (Florida), where he achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
Upon completing his tour of duty John moved his family to the Pacific Northwest, where he and Navy friend Chuck Haynie established a tri-city surgical practice, serving patients in Hood River and The Dalles, Oregon, and Goldendale, Washington.
Years later, returning to his southern roots, John moved his family first to Alexander City. He later moved to Birmingham where he became director of the vascular surgery teaching program at Carraway Medical Center. John founded the Alabama & Atlanta Vascular and Vein Centers along with satellite vein centers located in Tuscaloosa and Prattville, Alabama. Performing surgery and growing his practice were John’s lifelong passions. He also greatly enjoyed times spent vacationing with his children and grandchildren, riding horses, snow skiing, boating, and playing tennis.
John was preceded in death by his father, James Gordon Kingsley Sr., of Pensacola, Florida, and by his mother and stepfather, Blanche and George Peak, both of Columbia, Missouri.
He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Holloway, and her husband Jason, and their children, Emily and Jacob, of Portland, Oregon; by his son, J. R. Kingsley, of Nashville, Tennessee; and by his daughter, Sarah Kingsley, of Vestavia Hills, Alabama.
He is also survived by his brother and sisters, and their spouses—Dr. James Gordon Kingsley Jr. (Suzanne), of Beloit, Wisconsin; Sheryl Kramer (Bob), of Godfrey, Illinois; and Marilyn Stearns (Brent), of Raytown, Missouri.
The family wishes to thank the staff at each of the Vascular and Vein Centers and the many patients served throughout the years. The family also wishes to thank the physicians, nurses, and caregivers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
