Gentle traveler
seventy years beside her
map folded again
Dr. James E. Shepard, M.D., F.A.C.P., beloved husband, father, grandfather, physician, traveler, and lifelong student of the world, passed away peacefully at the age of 92.
Born with a sharp intellect, deep curiosity, and gentle humor that stayed with him throughout his life, Jim devoted himself both to medicine and to the people he loved. He was married to the love of his life, Sally-Jean Shepard (née Shupert), for nearly seventy years — a partnership marked by enduring affection, shared adventures, and countless journeys together.
Dr. Shepard graduated from Weill Cornell Medical College in 1959 and completed his medical training at Bassett Hospital before building a distinguished career in nephrology and internal medicine in Marin County. Over more than six decades in medicine, he became a respected leader in the medical community, serving as Chief of Medicine and Chairman of the Intensive Care Unit at Marin General Hospital. He helped establish one of the earliest dialysis programs in California, becoming part of a pioneering generation of physicians who transformed kidney care in Northern California.
Though many physicians of his generation were grandfathered into specialty status, Jim chose to undergo formal board certification in both internal medicine and nephrology — reflecting the integrity, discipline, and professional standards that defined his life and work. He was elected a Fellow of the American College of Physicians (F.A.C.P.) and later served as a clinical faculty member affiliated with UCSF. Following his years in clinical practice, he continued working as a medical consultant and expert witness well into his later years.
Outside of medicine, Jim loved travel, conversation, golf, tennis, and learning. He and Sally explored the world together for decades, always with maps in hand and curiosity leading the way. He was a longtime member of the Mill Valley Tennis Club, where he enjoyed both the game and the friendships surrounding it.
He is survived by his wife, Sally-Jean Shepard; daughters Sandy Shepard Wolfram and Elisabeth Shepard; granddaughter Leann McFalls; and great-grandsons Caleb and Cody McFalls.
He will be remembered for his kindness, intelligence, quiet wit, and the steady generosity with which he moved through the world.