Dr. J.P. Myles Black

Oct. 1, 1919 — Aug. 2, 2008

MONTROSE — Dr. J.P. Myles Black, age 88, passed away on Saturday afternoon, Aug. 2, 2008 at the Valley Manor Care Center.

J. P. Myles Black was born in Koehler, N.M., on Oct. 1, 1919. He later moved to Vanhouten, N.M., with his parents Reka and Karl Black, his sister and two brothers. He spent his youth enjoying hunting and fishing, in addition to summers working at a Christian Bible Camp.

Myles graduated from Raton High School in 1936, and went on to the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1940. Continuing on with his education, Myles earned his doctorate of medicine from the Washington University, St. Louis in 1943, and completed his internship and residency from Fresno County General Hospital in 1945.

Myles dedicated his life to pulmonary medicine and became a leader in diagnosing and treating tuberculosis in Los Angeles County. While pursuing this life work, Myles served in the United States Army at Fitzsimmons General Hospital, as Assistant Chief of Endoscopy. Throughout his distinguished career, Myles served the community in many leadership positions including: Medical Director at Olive View Hospital, Chief of Staff at both Holy Cross and Granada Hills Hospitals; serving on the Chest Board; Los Angeles Board of Education; and Consultant for the Department of Prisons, Mira Loma Hospital. One of his many passions was to teach cutting edge procedures to a younger generation. This passion was lived as a clinical professor of medicine at the University of Southern California Medical School; for his service, Myles was awarded Emeritus Status in 1983.

In his leisure time, Myles was an avid horseman and hunter. These passions were often realized while serving as a member of the Gorman Sherriff’s Mounted posses in Los Angeles County, Calif. He was a lifelong member of the Rancheros Visitadores, and a lifetime member of the National Riflemen’s Association.

Myles is survived by his wife, Barbara Black of Montrose, Colo.; sister, Reka Kaetzel of Lebanon, Ohio; his children: Karl Black of Springtown, Texas; Kathy Barchyn of Sacramento, Calif.; Paul Black of Las Vegas; John Black of Wiesbaden, Germany; David Black of Chatsworth, Calif.; Sidney Black of San Diego; Mary Ann Black of Sherman Oaks, Calif.; Philip Black of Del Mar, Calif. and Victoria Weindel of Anchorage, Alaska as well as 19 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday afternoon, Aug. 7, 2008 at Sunset Mesa Funeral Directors Chapel at 2 p.m. A reception for family and friends will follow the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Colorado, P.O. Box 1804, Montrose, CO 81402.  

Visit our Web site, sign the online register and send condolences to his family at www.sunsetmesafuneraldirectors.com.

Arrangements are being handled under the direction, care and have been entrusted by Dr. Black’s family to Sunset Mesa Funeral Directors (970) 240-9870.