James “Jim” Anthony Mavec MD passed away on July 12, 2024, at the age of 61. Born on January 10, 1963, in Wichita, Kansas, Jim dedicated his life to the field of medicine and the well-being of his family and community.
Jim completed his early education at Bishop Carroll Catholic High School before pursuing higher studies at Creighton University and the University of Kansas School of Medicine. After medical school, Jim completed his residency and fellowship at the University of Kansas. His commitment to medicine was profound, culminating in a distinguished 30-year career as a gastroenterologist at Gastrointestinal Associates in Overland Park, Kansas. He was the medical director of the Endoscopic Imaging Center and served as president of Gastrointestinal Associates for several years. He devoted his entire life to the care of his patients, saving countless lives from cancer.
Jim’s life was a testament to his Catholic faith and dedication to his community. He was a devout parishioner of Saint Ann Catholic Church and Church of the Nativity. He carried out the Jesuit tradition he learned at Creighton of being a ‘Man for Others’ as a physician, husband, and father. His love for his wife, Christine, knew no bounds, and he repeatedly said he would be truly lost without her. He was selflessly dedicated to providing his children with the best education and opportunities to succeed in life, a testament to his unwavering love and commitment to his family.
Beyond his professional and religious commitments, Jim had a vibrant and diverse range of hobbies. He was an avid sports fan, frequently attending Kansas City Royals, Chiefs, and KU basketball games. Fly fishing, reading history books, and spending time on his back patio watching sports were among his favorite activities. He enjoyed traveling the world with his family and giving miniature history lessons based on his vast knowledge of history from years of constant reading. He always had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and always had a book in his hands. Jim also enjoyed walking his dog on local trails and was known for his expansive history library, constantly adding books to his collection. His presence was a staple at his children’s sports games, always enthusiastically cheering them on.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Christine, and their children: James, Matthew, Olivia (Anthony), Elizabeth, Peter, and Thomas. Jim is also survived by his siblings: Matthew (Jeannie), Theresa, John (Helen), and Monica (Lee). He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Donna, his brothers, Joseph, David, and Christopher, and his son-in-law José.
The family invites friends and loved ones to join them in celebration of Jim’s life. The visitation and funeral mass will be held on Friday July 19, 2024 at the Church of the Nativity, 3800 W 119th St, Leawood, KS 66209, with visitation from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by the funeral mass from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Jim’s legacy of care, devotion, and joy will continue to inspire all who knew him. His life was a beacon of love, faith, and fidelity, leaving an indelible mark on his family, friends, and community. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Colon Cancer Coalition(https://coloncancercoalition.org/) as Jim’s life was devoted to his patients and preventing colon cancer.
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Christine and Family- we were saddened to hear of Jim’s passing, and want you to know we are keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers!
Love, Mike and Keira Collins
So sorry to the family to hear of the passing of Dr.Mavec. My husband and I are long time patients. We were always treated very well and received the best care from him. He was a very pleasant man and always enjoyed visiting with him in both a professional and personal way. We will miss him very much as we feel he was much more than just a doctor to us. Most sincerely! Dan and Diane Ellington
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dr. Mavec was my doctor for 27 years and my boss for 20 of them. I loved him like a brother and always felt safe in his care. I was healthy because of him and put food on the table for my family because of him. Working with him and helping save the lives of others was one of my greatest honors in my life. I am forever grateful for his life and his example of living a Christian life of service.
Dr. Mavec will always be remembered as a very capable physician who cared deeply about his patients.
I was so deeply saddened to hear of Dt Mavec’s passing. He was always extraordinarily compassionate to me, as I am sure he was of his other patients. He will be greatly missed.
My heart was saddened to hear of Dr. Mavac’s passing. Long time patient and also worked at OMC for years with him. He was a gifted doctor, and one of the nicest people you could know. To his family, just know he helped many, a friend to many, he will be missed and remembered . God bless
I enjoyed working with Dr.Mavec. He had such a sweet bedside manner. I enjoyed talking about the books he was reading and hearing funny stories about his dogs. He loved his family so much! My heart goes out to his family and you are in my prayers 🙏
Christine and family, prayers for finding peacefully grieving for the loss of such a great man, in your lives and all those lives he touched! Sincere sympathy, Cyndi Weaver aka Gi tech
Chris – you and your entire family are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sad to hear about your husband and will pray for God to surround you with his strength and love. God Bless you 🙏❤️
Jim was an excellent physician. He always had a smile on his face and treated his patients with care and compassion. The medical community has lost a valued member.
Sincerest condolences to the family. Dr. Mavec was truly a light as a physician and an employer. Prayers and Love.
Dear Mavec family, I am so very sad to hear of your sudden loss. Dr. Mavec was a very kind and compassionate doctor as well as Dad/ husband to a wonderful family. I have only fond memories of him… and ALL of you. May he rest in peace.
I just heard of his passing. I worked at KUMC during Dr Mavec GI fellowship. He was such a nice person, great bedside manner, quiet and thoughtful. He was one of my favorites. He loved Chris and his kids more than anything. This is so sad to hear.
So sorry for all Mavec family
He was a really Good man. Stunned still. Christine, you are in my thoughts as you navigate this loss.
Jim Allen
I worked as a GI nurse at KU Med when Jim was doing his fellowship. He was so friendly, sincere and professional and all of the staff felt the same way about him. Jim also worked at Olathe Med where he and my husband Bruce came to know one another. Bruce and I have always felt such respect for Jim and admired his family from afar. We are so very sorry for your loss. The funeral was so beautiful and I felt I got to know him and your family through all the sharings. He is so loved.
I was sad to learn of Jim’s passing. He helped many of my patients over the years and saved many lives. He and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
We send our deepest sympathy and prayers for Christine, Olivia and family on the loss of your husband and father. We were so glad we could meet Jim at Tony and Olivia’s wedding. Sending love to your families.
I had the pleasure of working with Dr Mavec as well as my husband and I were his patients. Truly a man who loved what he did and was always very professional and caring towards his patients. No doubt he will be greatly missed. One of my favorite things when working with him was watching him talk with his patient before their procedure and how he would get on their level, look them in the eye and tell them,” We will take very good care of you today.” And he would mean it! So sorry for your loss and have been lifting you and your family in prayer.
Dr. Mavek did my first coloscopy over 25 years ago. I’ll never forget how compassionate and kind he was, putting me at ease before and after the procedure. I returned three more times for the procedure over the years. This is a great loss for his patients & family.
I just received the office newsletter regarding dr Mavics passing& I’m so saddened by the news. I’ve been his patient for 22 years. Last November I was there for my routine check. He wanted to know why I would drive so far ( from Dallas) to have my scope…don’t they have drs down there? I told him i wanted the best!
My heart goes out to his family! RIP Dr. Mavic.
I was so saddened to hear of Dr Mavics passing. I have been a patient of his for 22 years & will be greatly missed. I saw him last for routine visit in November. He asked me why I traveled so far (live in Dallas)…don’t they have GI docs there? I told him that I want only the best.
My heart goes out to his family. RIP Dr Mavic.
opened my mail today September 3rd and read with sadness the Dr.had passed in July wish Icould of recieved the news earlier RIP MY FRIEND
I was very blessed to have DrMavec as my liver Dr. He truly cared about his patients!
So, so sorry to hear of Dr. Mavec’s passing. I had the honor of working with him in the hospital realm, as well as being a long time patient of his.
His bedside manners were the best, his warmth, compassion and kindness were always appreciated by both patients and coworkers.
Our blessings of peace and comfort over his family at this most difficult time.
Thank you Lord for his healing and medical expertise.
I was very sad to read the letter sent by GI Associates informing me of Dr. Mavec’s passing. I’m heartbroken for his family and colleagues, and hope they find comfort in how many people Dr. Mavec helped in his life, and how highly regarded he was by everyone. He always treated me with compassion, and a bit of humor, and I felt safe and comfortable with him as my doctor. He will truly be missed.
I just today found out about Dr. Mavec’s passing in July. He was my G.I. doctor and had performed may preventative procedures on me in the last 15 years. He was the best and always very reassuring. His last conversation with me was about not retiring and seeing me again in a couple of years. Deepest belated condolences to his family.
we just found out about Dr. Mavac’s passing . My husband was Dr. Mavec’ patient for more than 25 years, received the best care from him. He is so professional and care to us. every time we see him , we really enjoyed. Deepest belated condolences to his family.
Love, Ding and Shudong
I just found out my Dr., of over 20 years has passed. Dr.Mavec was smart and funny! We talked about the Chiefs and just general chit chat on office visits. He had an easy going no nonsense style and I am saddened by his passing. RIP and prayers to his family
Thank you to everyone for your kind words about my father. We still miss him every single moment of every day. It warms my heart to read your kind words. Makes me feel proud to have had a dad like him, who touched so many people’s lives. He was truly the best.