Dr. James L. Rising

Dr. James L. Rising, DVM, MD of Delray, West Virginia passed away peacefully on Oct. 25, 2025, at age 82. Born in Ottawa, Ill., he was the son of the late Pauline (Patterson) and Oren W. Rising, and was preceded in death by his sisters, Eleanor Vascellaro and Donna Poshard.
James was a dedicated scholar and lifelong learner. He earned his DVM from the University of Illinois and a master’s in Veterinary Anatomy from Purdue University. He practiced at Aurora Animal Hospital and later earned his MD from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He served as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Naval Reserve, achieving the rank of lieutenant, and later ran a dual medical and veterinary clinic in Wallace, Idaho.
Upon accepting a position at EA Hawse Health, he left Idaho and moved to Delray, West Virginia. For 18 years, James served as chief medical director, guiding EA Hawse’s expansion into multiple locations and establishing new programs to improve community health. His leadership left a lasting impact on both the organization and the many patients he served.
An avid outdoorsman, pilot and bagpiper, James loved hunting and spending time with his Labradors. Dr. Rising’s legacy lives on through the many lives he touched during his remarkable careers in veterinary and human medicine.
He is survived by his children, Amy, Craig, Erin and Andrew, and seven grandchildren, along with cousins, nieces and nephews. His family thanks the caregivers who provided him with compassionate care and comfort. Memorial donations may be made to Angels for Hospice Charities: www.angelsgracehospice.com.