James Douglas Deacon, MD, passed away peacefully in his sleep of natural causes in his home with all his children by his side.

He was born September 3, 1934 in Huntington, W.Va. to Alice Payne and James Palmer Deacon of Falling Springs, Va.

Jim graduated from Covington High School in 1951 at the young age of 16. He attended VPI for one year as a cadet, in aeronautical engineering, because of his love for flying. He was advised to switch to medicine, as that would be a more promising future. Jim then transferred directly to W&L University and began his degree in pre-medicine, graduating with honors in 1955. He continued his education attending UVA Medical School again graduating with honors in 1959. Upon completion, he joined the U.S. Air Force, traveling to San Antonio, Colorado, and Washington, D.C. to complete his residency in Anesthesiology in 1963 – ending his service as a Capt. He met Dr. John P. Heatwole on a train back to Falling Springs and together they became the Anesthesia Associates of Augusta in early 1964. They worked along with Ms. Mary Lou Sylvia CRNA in Waynesboro Community Hospital. Dr. Jim “Doc” Deacon provided innovative anesthesia to the valley of Virginia for 29 years. He retired at a young age to enjoy his love of family and the wonderful country life, that truly was his soul.

His wife, Nancy Williams Deacon, preceded him in death in September of 2015. He is survived by his son, James “Kip” D. Deacon Jr.; daughter, Mary Beth Deacon/Cloutier and her husband, Marcel J. A. Cloutier Jr.; his daughter, Anne A. Deacon/Companion and her husband, Chris Companion; six grandchildren, Molly Deacon, Tucker Deacon, Sam Deacon, Isabella “Bella” Cloutier, Riley Companion, and Fiona Companion. Including many more family members in the Kyle and Williams family with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.