Dr. James E. Palmer

Dr. James E. Palmer, age 78, of Bel Air, MD, died on October 31, 2009 at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center in Bel Air, MD. Born in Baltimore, MD, he was the son of the late Mathias and Marian Frances Laroe Palmer, and husband of the late Dorothy Ann Palmer. From 1949 to 1950, he attended Baltimore Community College, Julliard Music School, Peabody Music School, and played alto sax, clarinet, and the flute in local dance bands. He then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served from 1951-1954 as a radar operator during the Korean Conflict. His career in dentistry began in 1955, when he completed two years of pre-dental at College Park, MD. He went on to graduate, in 1961, from Baltimore College of Dental Surgery at University of MD, and was invited, before graduation, to join the staff of the Department of Oral Diagnosis at their dental school. He became a clinical instructor, during which time he initiated his private practice on evenings and weekends. Due to staff shortages at the school, he was assigned to the Department of Prosthetics, later being re-assigned to Oral Diagnosis. In June of 1965, he was contacted by the Director of Dental Services, Baltimore City Health Department, to initiate and develop a comprehensive dental program for a special project. The following month, he accepted the position as Chief Dentist. In 1970 he received a five year award, and in 1973 with the loss of funding for the project, he started his practice full time, retiring in 2009 after 48 years. He was also a living donor, having given one of his kidneys to his son.

Dr. Palmer is survived by his son, Christopher Palmer and his wife, Jennifer L. Bailey Palmer, of Abingdon, MD; daughter, Amanda Palmer Julson and her husband, Bradley D. Julson, of Bryan, TX; brother, Robert Palmer of FL; and four grandchildren, Evan, Dannika, Dale, and Ben Julson. In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his brother, David Palmer.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Maryland, 1107 Kenilworth Drive, Suite 202, Baltimore, MD 21204.