Dr. Jim Giles, age 82, of Oak Ridge

Dr. James W. Giles (“Jim”), age 82, passed away August 13, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. 

He rejoins his loved ones who went ahead: parents Dr.  Francis E Giles and Mary Blazier Giles, and brother  Stephen B Giles.

 Jim saw life as one big, joyous adventure. During his  childhood in Iowa, Jim found joy in music and the  outdoors, and his curiosity and discipline culminated in a+  strong academic record. He was an Eagle Scout and  highly involved in his local scouting camp. He received his  undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of  Iowa, completing his residency in internal medicine in  1973. During medical school, his love for music persisted  through his membership in a jazz band, and he  established and volunteered in a free medical clinic. 

Jim  then served in the US Navy as a physician in Taiwan  during the Vietnam War. After his time in the Navy, Jim  embarked on a new adventure serving the local  community of LaFollette as a family doctor for just over 25 years.

 Drawn to the mountains, his impact on this  community still echoes. During this time, he met his wife  Donna and was blessed with his first child Andrew. Jim  transitioned his practice to Oak Ridge to be closer to his  family, where he would eventually retire. He was a proud  and active member of the American Geriatric Society and  a Fellow of the American College of Physicians. His  remarkable career will forever be an inspiration to help those in need, no matter their circumstances. 

Jim leaves behind a family that loves him deeply. He is survived by his wife Donna Kraemer, son Andrew Giles,  stepdaughter Robin McClamroch and grandson Matthew  McClamroch, brother Francis Rodney Giles and sister-in- law Charlene Giles, step grandchildren Will McClamroch,  John McClamroch, and Megan McClamroch, and multiple  nieces and nephews who he cared for deeply. 

The family would like to express special thanks to the staff  of UT Medical Center for the personalized care they  provided at the end of his life, as well as the Lantern at  Morning Pointe and many special caregivers. 

In lieu of flowers, we encourage you to honor Jim’s legacy  by helping others in need, as passionately as Jim did  throughout his career in medicine and personal life. Any  memorial contributions may be sent to the Free Medical  Clinic of Oak Ridge or the Parkinson’s Foundation. 

A memorial service celebrating Jim’s exceptional life will  be held on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 1:00 PM at the  First Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Oak Ridge. The  family will receive visitors before hand at 12:00 PM until the  service.