James Douglas Gould

Dr. James D. Gould, MD, aged 55, passed away on April 16, 2023, after a one-and-a-half-year battle with esophageal cancer. He passed away peacefully surrounded by those who loved him. Jim was born in Buffalo, New York to Denis and Joyce Gould, where he grew up and attended college and medical school at SUNY Buffalo. He then completed his anesthesiology residency and cardiac fellowship at Duke University. He was an attending anesthesiologist and associate professor at George Washington University Hospital, where he mentored and shaped the professional lives of many future anesthesiologists. His colleagues, friends, and residents would describe him as incredibly talented and universally sought-after for clinical advice. His colleagues would call on him when confronted with a challenge, often breathing a sigh of relief once Jim arrived. Outside of the operating room he was a trusted advisor in the department, logical and balanced, but most importantly he was a dear friend to many.

All would say that Jim’s laughter and smile were infectious. He never missed an opportunity to tease his friends and family lovingly, talk about food or share recipes, travel tips and ghost peppers from his garden. When difficult times arose, he would provide unwavering support to those who needed him. He is irreplaceable and leaves a legacy that only can be aspired to.

Jim made his home in Lorton, Virginia with his wife Rebecca Mahrs-Gould. Jim shared his passion of food, wine and travel with Rebecca and together they enriched their lives by dining at some of the best restaurants in the world and traveling to Hawaii, Fiji, Italy, Spain, Greece, Argentina, Brazil, Germany, Sicily, and various islands in the Caribbean. His passion for food included gardening and growing his own vegetables including various hot peppers which he was happy to share with his family and friends at work. Like everything else in Jim’s life, he became a masterful chef because his drive to be the best was unwavering. 

The day before Jim’s passing, his 10-year-old niece and 9-year-old nephew asked that these words to be repeated to Jim at his bedside, respectively: “tell Uncle Jimmy he will always be in my prayers and that I love him very much”, and “tell Uncle Jimmy he is in my heart and that I love him and will miss him”. 

Jim was preceded in death by his Uncle Dwight Gould. He is survived by his wife Rebecca, his parents Denis and Joyce, and his brother and sister-in-law Tim and Mattie Gould.

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 7 from 1 – 4 pm at 2941 Restaurant, 2941 Fairview Park Drive, Falls Church, Virginia. In lieu of flowers charitable donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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