By Jane Palmer
Omaha World-Herald (Nebraska)
Copyright 2007 The Omaha World-Herald Company
OMAHA, Neb. — Dr. James P. Balters worked to help patients even before they reached the emergency rooms in which he worked.
From 1988 to 1995, he volunteered as medical director for the Omaha Fire Department.
“In order for us to run an advanced life-support medical service, we needed to have a physician in charge,” said James Love, an ex-paramedic who now is assistant fire chief. “He did that for nothing. That’s incredible.”
For his volunteer efforts, Balters received the 1991 Mayor’s Partnership Award from then Mayor P.J. Morgan.
Balters died of pneumonia last week at his Omaha home. He was 53. Funeral services were Tuesday at St. Andrew United Methodist Church.
Love remembers Balters as very smart and interested in the paramedics serving the city.
“I was impressed by his vast amount of medical knowledge,” Love said. “I always got the impression he really enjoyed being affiliated with us; likewise, we were honored to have the privilege to work with Dr. Balters.”
Balters was a graduate of Omaha South High School and the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He most recently worked at Creighton University Medical Center.
“He took his work seriously,” said his wife, Dr. Christine Webster, who is also a physician.
Other survivors include a son, Steven R. Balters; two brothers, Henry and Michael Balters, both of Lincoln; and a sister, Mary Bucy of Beatrice, Neb.