Dr. James Gilbert Punches, 85, of Vero Beach, FL ~ a man of few words ~ died at the VNA Hospice House Monday, May 16, 2016.

Dr. Punches was born on May 24, 1930, in Toledo, OH to Howard and Grayce (Jarvis) Punches.

He had a passion for sailing and being on the water. He became a member of the United States Power Squadron on January 21, 1946. He graduated from Thomas DeVilbiss High School in 1948. He also attended and graduated from Kemper Military School in Boonville, MO in 1950. His Mother Grayce was a nurse and that may have influenced him to pursue the medical field. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Toledo in 1952. He then attended Ohio State University and received a Doctor of Medicine in 1956. On September 1, 1956 he was appointed reserve officer in the U.S. Navy in the grade of Lieutenant (medical corps) and was discharged on July 7, 1959. He then completed his internship at the Toledo Hospital from July 1956-July 1957. He completed his residency at Jackson Memorial Hospital in July of 1961 with the University Of Miami School Of Medicine.

He became the first Anesthesiologist in Vero Beach in 1962. He was well loved at the hospital and often requested by patients. He retired from Indian River Memorial Hospital in 1999.

After retirement, this gave him lots of time to play golf, another passion of his and many summers sailing in the Bahamas Regatta races every July. He was a lifetime member of the Vero Beach Country Club since 1963. He will be remembered for his laid back personality and always having a smile on his face.

He was preceded in death by his wife Betty, his parents Howard and Grayce Punches, his brother Ki Punches, his half-sister Betty Daso, a half-brother Harmon Punches, a nephew Perry Punches, his in-laws Howard and Jackie Lamb and numerous aunts and an uncle.

He is survived by daughters Kim P Haines of Morgan City, LA and Michelle (Doug) Dean of Vero Beach, a son Jeff Punches of Vero Beach, a nephew Scott Punches of Everett, WA, five grandchildren; Grayce, Blake, Emily and Logan Haines all of Morgan City, LA and Dylan Dean of Vero Beach.

A Memorial Mass will be held 10 am, Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 2365 Pine Ave, Vero Beach, FL 32960

In Lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Baptist Retirement Center, 1006 33rd Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960 or the VNA Foundation - Hospice House, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960-4801.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.