Geneva Doctor, Classical Pianist Dies After Being Hit by Car

GENEVA, IL — An accomplished doctor who also performed locally as a classical pianist died Saturday from injuries he sustained after being hit by a car while attempting to cross West State Street (Route 38) in late November. James C. Pritchard, 86, of the 100 block of Foxford Lane, was crossing the road in the 400 block of West State Street around 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 29 when he was hit by a 2007 Nissan Xterr, which was driven by a 74-year-old Geneva woman, authorities said.

The driver told police she did not see Pritchard crossing the roadway, according to a news release.

Geneva Police Department officers first at the scene spoke with Pritchard who was conscious and breathing, police said. He was transported to Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital in Geneva and was later transferred to Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove for additional medical treatment.

The driver of the Nissan was not injured.

Pritchard died "in the loving embrace of his family" at Good Samaritan Hospital on Dec. 8, according to his obituary.

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Pritchard served as the chief pathologist and director of laboratories of Delnor community hospitals from 1963 until his retirement in 2002, according to his obituary. He was a former Clinical Associate Professor of the University of Illinois College of Medicine and established the Pritchard Medical Student Scholarship at the University of Illinois-his alma mater.

He was also well known for his accomplishments as a classical pianist, performing with local symphony orchestras and at Chicago-area concerts, according to his obituary.

He was also a longtime member of the Geneva Golf Club, and The Union League Club and The Arts Club.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Bonnie, his three children and six grandchildren, according to his obituary.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held on Dec. 27 at 5 p.m. at the Geneva Golf Club, 831 South Street in Geneva. Donations in memory of Jim may be made to the Pritchard Medical Student Scholarship at the University of Illinois #773186.

The accident remains under investigation by the Geneva Police Department, and no charges have been filed.

PHOTO VIA SHUTTERSTOCK