John Douglas Graham II, MD

John was born on November 8,1927, to Helen Louise (née McLaren) and John Douglas Graham I, MD, in Starkweather, North Dakota. Soon thereafter, Devils Lake, ND, became his childhood home. John’s father, a physician, was often called “Doc,” and young John acquired the nickname “Little Doc.” Ever since, he has been affectionately known as “Doc” to his family and friends. At Devils Lake High School Doc ran track, played football and basketball, and proudly played the sousaphone. He graduated in 1945.

Eager to serve, at 17 years of age Doc volunteered to join the U.S. Navy near the end of World War II. He served in the Asiatic Pacific Theater on the cargo ship USS Shaula (AK-118) through August of 1946. Doc survived two harrowing typhoons at sea and was among the first U.S. troops to enter Nagasaki, Japan, after the war. Doc earned six U.S. Navy service and campaign awards including the China Service Medal; the American Campaign Medal; the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal; the WWII Victory Medal; the Navy Occupation Service Medal; and the Philippine Liberation Medal.

Supported by the G.I. Bill, Doc enrolled at the University of North Dakota (UND) in September 1946. He studied Natural Science, joined Phi Delta Theta fraternity, and lettered in football in 1948 and 1949. Doc played the lead in the “Flickertail Follies” variety show. Always a storyteller and ever entertaining, Doc was the go-to emcee on campus, a role he was frequently called upon to play throughout his life.

While at UND, Doc met his future wife, English major and president of her Delta Gamma sorority, Mary Allen Reick. After graduation, Doc and Mary married on August 27, 1950, in Mary’s hometown of Enderlin, ND. Doc then studied medicine at UND, continued working summers on the Soo Line Railroad laying track, and started a family with Mary. Doc transferred to Duke University School of Medicine in 1953 and earned his Doctor of Medicine in 1955.

Doc and Mary moved to Indianapolis, IN, where Doc completed his residency at Methodist Hospital and began his long and distinguished career in medicine. He practiced as an Internal Medicine Specialist at St. Francis Hospital in Beech Grove, IN, for many years before transitioning to an Emergency Department Physician, also at St. Francis, in 1980. Dr. Graham served as President and Vice President of the Medical Staff at St. Francis and chaired several committees during his career. He was a caring physician, highly regarded by his peers, loved by staff, and remembered fondly by his patients.

St. Francis recognized Dr. Graham with the 1991 Distinguished Physician Award for his outstanding leadership, compassion, and dedication to his patients, colleagues, and the hospital. He retired in 1994.

In recognition for high achievement and a life dedicated to the service of others, in 2000, Doc was awarded the Sioux Award for Distinguished Achievement and Leadership, the highest honor given by the University of North Dakota Alumni Association and Foundation.