Dr. James Elbert Seay

There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they are gone the light remains. Dr. James Seay, a renaissance man and an intrepid traveler, has reached his final destination. It has been an amazing journey for an amazing man. His insatiable quest for knowledge began at an early age and continued throughout his life.

Dr. Seay graduated from the Perelman School of Medicine in Pennsylvania and did his residency at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He was a gifted surgeon and a pioneer in gastric bypass surgery. He proudly served his country in the USAF as a flight surgeon in the Korean War, receiving the Meritorious Service medal, the Air Force Commendation medal and many others. He had a long and respected career and was greatly admired by his patients, “He had wonderful bedside manner and concern for me.”

Retirement allowed him to pursue his passion for learning, from Quantum Physics to Italian to Etymology. He was a biblical scholar and taught Sunday school for adults. But he always had a twinkle in his eye and a grin when he would quote one of his limericks or an Ole & Lena story.

He was preceded in death by his parents Dr. James E Seay and Ethlyn Louise Seay of Birmingham, his daughter Virginia (Ginny) Louise Seay, sister Dr. Margaret Jean Seay Lippert, nephew James Seay Lippert and his great nephew Joseph David Lippert.

He is survived by his devoted wife and soulmate, Patty, her daughter Kristine Marie (Mike) Dischinger, grandchildren, Sarah Marie (Bryce) Polsinger, Joshua Michael Dischinger, niece, Kathryn (Sunny) Lippert, nephews and great nephews William L Lippert, Jeramy Lee Nickerson, Patrick Lippert, Benjamin Lippert, Maxwell Lippert, Porter Lippert, Patty's sisters, Tammy (John) Baker, Kathleen (Jerry) Rossow, her brother, Robert (Deb) Fetter; nieces and nephews, Annie, Jack, Jordan, Rachel, Tamara, Teresa, and Daniel.

He will be deeply missed by his loving family and countless friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 11:00am, at the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest Hotel, 7025 Northland Dr. North, Minneapolis, MN. 55428.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Haven (a dog and cat rescue organization) or Veterans Organization of your choice in memory of Dr. James Seay.

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