Even in retirement, Jim Lussier couldn’t stay away from the health system he helped shape.
Lussier was active on the St. Charles Foundation board, visited patients dressed in an elf costume during the Christmas holidays or cheered runners on at the annual Heaven Can Wait 5k.
Lussier spent 38 years at St. Charles Health System, the last years 15 as CEO. He died Friday, Jan. 31. He was 82.
“Jim was extremely passionate about community healthcare,” said Bill Kuhn, St. Charles Foundation board chairman. “He lived and breathed St. Charles. This was his baby. He was involved in growing the organization and growing the people that made the organization what it is today.”
It was 1970 when an energetic, young Lussier came to Bend to start his new job as personnel director of St. Charles Bend. Then the hospital was located downtown.
Lussier retired from St. Charles Health System in 2004. In retirement, employees would sometimes see him wandering the halls.
He was an active member of Rotary International, the City Club of Central Oregon, the University of Oregon alumni Association and was the founder of the Volunteers in Medicine, a free or low-cost health care provider in Bend.
Kat Mastrangelo, Volunteers in Medicine executive director, said she worked with Lussier for nearly two decades and she praised his commitment to providing health equality.
“His enduring legacy is one of compassion, innovation and service,” Mastrangelo said. “His visionary leadership in establishing Volunteers in Medicine Cascades ensures accessible, compassionate healthcare for those in need, and we will honor his legacy by continuing to uphold the principles he championed. He will be greatly missed.”
Dover said when she went to his home recently, she noticed notes around the house to remind him that he wanted to talk to someone.
“He really wanted to make a difference in the world and in our lives,” Dover said.
Dr. Knute Buehler, a former St. Charles Foundation board member, and physician, praised Lussier’s work as a CEO.
“When Jim left his CEO position at St. Charles, the hospital system was never healthier,” Buehler said. “The operations were the best in the state. The financial health of the organization was never better and he had forged a wonderful relationship with both staff and physicians.
“Jim made it a priority to produce a healthy, healing culture where everyone felt welcome. Excellence was the emphasis.”
In announcing his death, Dr. Steve Gordon, current president and CEO of St. Charles Health System, said that Lussier was always a champion of the health system’s quality and kindness.
“Jim loved St. Charles like no one else,” Gordon said in an email. “He has been an unwavering ally and champion for this organization. His passion came through in every conversation and I will personally miss him and the guidance he provided.”
“Jim was a remarkable person,” said Amy Tykeson, a trustee for the Tykeson Family Foundation. “(He) has left Central Oregon better off through his involvement and contributions. Jim was a friend to many, always extending a warm welcome, pitching in, engaged.”
He also was known to tell a good joke or pun, said Dover.
Lussier is survived by daughters Julane Dover, of Bend, and Jenny Groshong, of Eugene and four grandchildren. A celebration of life service will be held at 1 p.m. March 1 at the Riverhouse Convention Center.
This article was originally published by the Bend Bulletin. It has been republished here with permission.
