Dr. Jamshid “Jim” Bakhtiar passed away peacefully on January 9, 2022 surrounded by his beloved children and family. Born on January 8, 1934 in Iran, he immigrated to the Washington DC area with his brother, five sisters and mother in 1946.

He was named All-Metropolitan for two-years as a standout prep football player at Western High School followed by one year at The Bullis School in Potomac Maryland where he was recruited by Harrison “Chief” Nesbitt to The University of Virginia. As a Look Magazine and Football Writers Association of America All-American and legend at UVA, he was affectionately known as the “Persian Prince” and “The Iron Iranian.” Playing both ways, starring as a running back and linebacker, he set many ACC and UVA records during his football career with the Wahoos. He still holds the all-time single game scoring record against Virginia Tech with 26 points. He went on to play professional football for the Calgary Stampeders prior to following in his father’s footsteps, returning to his beloved university to attend medical school and obtain his medical degree. Charlottesville, The University and Virginia Football were always very special to him. He received the 2006 Football Writers Association of America’s prestigious All-American Alumni Award. His alma mater also honored him in 2006 by retiring his #34. His number is one of twenty-one retired jerseys at The University of Virginia. As a psychiatrist his life was devoted to the care of his patients. Moving back to Iran in 1975, he established the country’s first modern psychiatric units and developed the University of Tehran and Isfahan’s psychiatric departments. Both his parents are buried in Mashhad, Iran. He adored and treasured his children.

As the patriarch of the family he was always there to provide support, encouragement and give tons of love to his siblings, nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his five loving children, Jim Bakhtiar, Roshanne Hemmat, Firoozeh Bakhtiar, Koorosh Bakhtiar, Sohaila Bakhtiar; step-daughter Liv Lillihei: his sister Parveen Bakhtiar-McNair and his many half-siblings: brothers Stephen Noruz Bakhtiar and Pirooz Bakhtiar, sisters Parvaneh Bakhtiar, Lili Peele, Maryam Nematzadeh, Afsaneh Navai; son-in-law Ed Hemmat, daughter-in-law Samira Bakhtiar, grandchildren Parisa Bagheri, Parichehr Asgari, twins Nadia & Nautalie Hemmat, Dariush & Donya Bakhtiar, Noor Nasri and Mikayla Marley Lillehei-Machado.

He embodied the seven great virtues: faith, hope, charity, justice, prudence, temperance and fortitude. He always encouraged those around him to work hard, persevere and be zealous in the pursuit of knowledge. He was an avid reader and was constantly striving to be as learned as possible and gain as much knowledge as possible. He is immensely loved, and will be deeply missed by all those who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association.