Shrewsbury – James L. “Dr. Jim” Erwin, M.D., 91, of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, February 17, 2023. He was predeceased by his first wife Elizabeth M. (Candek) Erwin in 1968, his second wife Dorothy F. (Farmer) Erwin in 1998, his brother John of Baltimore, MD and his grandson Sean P. Erwin of Maine.
Jim was born on December 24, 1931 in Baltimore, MD to Dr. John J. and Margaret (O’Connor) Erwin. He grew up in Baltimore and graduated from Johns Hopkins University for his undergraduate studies and Medical School.
Jim was a distinguished member of the medical community of Worcester, practicing as an obstetrician and gynecologist for over 40 years. He was in private practice in Worcester for many years prior to joining the Fallon Clinic where he worked for 19 years. He proudly served as a captain in the U.S. Air Force at the Selfridge Air Force Base in Michigan. He was a proud member of the Worcester District Medical Society, Worcester Economics Club, Massachusetts Medical Society, and New England Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, where he may have meandered to other conferences for a better meal.
Jim always had a great sense of humor and warm smile. He was known for his love of sweets. From Chincoteague salter water taffy, apple cider donuts, and malt balls to Danish pastries and sorbet, he loved them all. He loved visiting Stone Harbor, Chincoteague, and Arizona, where he became the proud collector of waterfowl and southwestern art and pottery. He is also a legendary collector of oriental rugs. During many trips to AZ, he enjoyed prickly pear margaritas, taking the slide instead of the stairs at Rustler’s Roost Restaurant, or losing a tie or two at Pinnacle Peak. He enjoyed local trips to Hebert’s Candy Mansion and Tougas Farms.
Jim was a great father. Whenever one of his children was sick, he would place his hands over their head and proclaim he had healing hands, prayed the Our Father, and stated “now go to school.” He will be dearly missed.
Jim is survived by his eight children, James Erwin and his wife Cathy of Maryland, Elise Erwin of Wakefield, Anthony Erwin and his wife Lisa of Tewksbury, Eileen Erwin of Philadelphia, Patricia Flannery and her husband Thomas of Florida, Michael Erwin and his wife Van of Florida, Elaine LaFlamme and her husband Jeremy of Holden, and Kathryn Johnson and her husband Ryan of Shrewsbury. Jim also leaves sixteen grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews and grand dogs.
The family would like to thank Dr. Seamus Mark, and the staff at The Residents at Orchard Grove and Jewish Health Care for their compassionate care of Dr. Jim.
Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend visiting hours at the Chiampa Funeral Home, 5 Church Road, On the Common, Shrewsbury on Thursday, February 23, 2023 from 4-7 P.M. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, February 24, 2023, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Mary’s Church, 640 Main Street, Shrewsbury. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury.
Memorial donations may be made in Jim’s honor to Partners In Health, PO Box 996, Frederick, MD 21705-9942, www.pih.org.
