James Standefer, Sr

James (Jim) E. Standefer, MD, age 83, of Marine on St. Croix, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on December 28, 2018. He is preceded in death by his father Joe and mother Lorene (Hoadley), and his brothers John and Jack. He is survived by his sister Joan, daughters Jessica (Greg Marion) and Amy Standefer-Malott (Rick Malott) and son Jim, Jr. (Dana), 6 grandchildren, Elaina (Jessica), Michael (Jessica), Charlotte (Jim), Lucinda (Jim), Madison (Amy), Emily (Amy) and Max (Amy), 3 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Dr. Standefer was born in 1935 in Marshalltown, Iowa. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in Des Moines and attended Harvard College ('57) and Cornell Medical School in NYC. After a medical internship at UVM, he enlisted and served 4 years as a US Navy Flight Surgeon. His ophthalmology residency was at Wash. U. in St. Louis.
He was the founder of Associated Eye in Stillwater, and was also a Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at UMN. In 1995, he left private practice to serve as a full-time international volunteer. He traveled performing cataract surgery, treating glaucoma, and teaching others in a "trainer of trainers" approach in more than 31 developing countries. He has been recognized for his many contributions to international service including the International Blindness Prevention Award by the AAO.
His hobbies included Asian art collecting, bee keeping, bird watching, gardening, scuba diving, rowing and competing in numerous endurance cross-country skiing and bicycle racing events. He was a devoted father, grandfather, and friend. Memorial Service Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, 2:00 p.m., at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, 2800 Curve Crest Blvd., Stillwater, MN. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Valley Outreach (Valleyoutreachmn.org) or SEE International (seeintl.org).