12/4/1920 – 06/07/2010. Having traveled to all 7 earthly continents, “Jim” was excited to visit “number 8”- heaven. He was a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, where he graduated from Xavier University magna cum laude, University of Cincinnati Medical School A(’45), and a surgical fellowship at Mayo Clinic. Dr. Berens was a Captain in the U.S. Army Medical Core. Jim Berrens became an Arizonan in 1953, where he and Charleen raised 5 children. Dr. Berens was the first board certified surgeon in Phoenix, practicing predominantly at St. Joseph’s Hospital, where he was chief of staff. His professional commitment kept him active in the Phoenix Surgical Society, American College of Surgeons (president of Arizona Chapter), western Surgical Society (Past president), and past-president of the Mayo Alumni Association. His successful surgical practice became a professional platformthat afforded his avocations of world travel and philanthropic medical instructing (through MEDICO) in Honduras, U.S.S.R., Afghanistan, Uganda, Thailand and China – long before these were open to such visits. Jim was an inventor, pioneering surgical instruments and a non-surgical remedy for ingrown toenail. His personal motto came from the French “essayons” – let us try. The artistic side of Jim found outlets in his sketches, hidden treasure bola ties, wood carvings, and bronze castings. His outdoorsman passion was fed through camping, fishing, hunting, archery and boating. Jim is survived by spouse Char, brother Cyprian, daughter Mary Ellen, sons Jay, Mike, Brian, and Steve, 9 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. Memorial service is Thursday, June 10, 10:00 am, at the Franciscan Renewal Center, 5802 E. Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale, AZ. In lieu of flowers, please make remembrances to Huger Mercy Living Center, 2345 W. Orangewood Phx., AZ. 85021
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