Publication Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2014

  Dr. James Parker VanWagner, 59, of Grants Pass died Nov. 29, 2014, at his home.A memorial service to be held in Grants Pass and a celebration of his life to be held in Traverse City, Mich., will be announced at a later date. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.since1928hull.com.He was born May 3, 1955, in Ann Arbor, Mich., to Jack and Marilyn (Parker) VanWagner. He began playing football in Novi, Mich. In 1976, he graduated from Michigan Technological University, where he played football, set records and was inducted into the Hall of Fame. He was a running back who was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers and traded to the New Orleans Saints. His knee injury on the field changed his direction to sports medicine. In 1986, he earned a doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from Michigan State University. He became a surgeon and operated MVP Orthopedics in Traverse City.On Nov. 13, 2004, he married Kelley Peters, who survives. They moved to the West Coast in 2008. In 2009, he was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease.He enjoyed sports, working with community youth sports and the Detroit Red Wings hockey team.In addition to his wife, survivors include four children, Elizabeth, Michael, Joseph and Jennifer; two stepchildren, Steven Hardy and Alexander Hakes; his mother, Marilyn; a brother, Thomas VanWagner; and his grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his father and a brother, Jon VanWagner.