Dr. James T. Lilligren, MD

July 1944 ~ March 2018

Dr. James Lilligren, MD, age 73, died this month at Alexander Cohen Hospice in Hughson, CA. He died of AML, acute myeloid leukemia.

Jim was born in July of 1944 to John and Elvina Lilligren in Minneapolis, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and two of his beloved dogs, Daphne and Nefertari.

Jim grew up in an area of Minneapolis called Morningside. He attended Morningside Elementary School and went on to graduate from Edina-Morningside High School in 1962. Jim continued his education at the University of Minnesota, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1966 and a doctor of medicine degree in 1971. Jim completed his rotating internship and obstetrics and gynecology residency at Valley Medical Center in Fresno, CA. He finished training in 1975 and started practicing with Dr. Marion L. Sani, MD in July 1975. In 1977 Jim became board certified and was a diplomate of F.A.C.O.G. Jim practiced in Turlock for 33 years, retiring on May 1, 2008.

Jim met Cindy Olson in July of 1966. They were married on June 7, 1969, when Jim was half way through medical school. While in his residency program in Fresno, their first son Ted was born in 1973. Their second son, Tim, was born in 1977. Besides Cindy, Ted and Tim, Jim is survived by his sister Sally (Darrel) Olson of Eden Prairie, MN. Also surviving is nephew Dr. Mitchell Olson, DDS, and nieces Jennifer A. Olson and Shelly (Shawn) Nahan. There are many more nieces and nephews and relatives in Denmark and Sweden.

Jim wanted to be known for his love of friends and family, and for his sense of humor. He also had an insatiable penchant for knowledge. Jim loved his profession and loved seeing former patients. After retirement Jim pursued his interests of gardening, fishing and reading Scandinavian mysteries. Jim was able to do more traveling and gaining knowledge of the world and its peoples. He enjoyed volunteering on Monday mornings at the United Samaritans, helping make eggs for their egg salad sandwiches. Jim was a faithful and active member of Light of Christ Lutheran Church. He was also an associate member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Santa Barbara, CA. Jim was a friend of Bill W. for twenty-six years. You could also find Jim walking Daphne in Donnelly Park and in better days doing “the stairs” at Turlock City Hall. Even at physical therapy he would see old friends and make more new friends.

Jim will be having a funeral service in Minneapolis, MN, at Lakewood Cemetery. A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 5th at 1pm at Turlock First United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of your choice. Please consider United Samaritans, Light of Christ Lutheran Church, or First United Methodist Church of Turlock.

Condolences(40)

Brett Austin Causey says
May 12, 2022 at 10:21 pm

I just found out his nameð This man saved my life. Turlock Emmanuel Center October 3rd, 1989. I was “Baby boy Boudreau” born with an imperferated anus, my right shoulder touched my right ankle and I had to have my bladder cut into, my right kidney was missing, three triangular vertebrae, scoliosis, asthma, inch and a half displacement in my right hip-etc. he ordered me rushed to Fresno Valley Children’s Center immediately after birth. I wanted to say thank You. I wanted to call him ð I’ve been trying to figure out his name for years!ððð

If you’re lookin down doc-I can think, I walk and I’m not a vegetable contrary to what anyone else said you told my parents, “treat him like a child, not an egg” I grew up strong and have a family now. I only wanted to say thank youð
Samantha Van Konynenburg-Frans says
June 14, 2019 at 3:32 pm

Sorry to hear of your families loss. I enjoyed our many talks of farming, cheese production and of coarse babies. He was a great character and will be missed!
Melinda Peterson says
February 26, 2019 at 10:12 pm

Sadly, I just heard about Dr.Lilligren’s passing. I worked at Emanuel Hospital floated on many Floors and eventually landed in OB. But, by then I already knew Dr. Lilligren professionally and as a patient. Oh, how I remember the sound of him coming down through the surgical department hall ( before any re-modeling) with those clogs of his, pipe
and a cup of coffee sloshing back and forth with drops of coffee following behind him.
As a patient of his for 30 years, he delivered 2 of my 3 children. Always down to earth and easy to talk too. I’ll miss running into him in town.
My heartfelt condolences to his wife Cindy, and sons Ted and Tim
R.I.P. Dr. Lilligren ! You’re remember fondly and forever loved.
James Wegner says
October 9, 2018 at 4:36 pm

He delivered 3 of my siblings, And he was a very good doctor, from what my mom says! We miss you a lot! I was wanting to go see you but, then we found out that you padded away, Rest In Peace Doc.
Kimberly Folkner says
July 17, 2018 at 1:56 am

Such a great man! He delivered me and my 3 sisters, my 3 children and my niece. May he Rest In Peace.
Donna Aranda- Murillo says
April 23, 2018 at 4:35 am

I am saddened to hear of his passing. It has brought back a flood of great memories. My husband worked for him when I was pregnant with my second.A girl who was very much in a hurry to make her entrance.He had one glove on when she came flying out screaming. Nobody had to slap that girl and she hasn’t been quiet since. As a matter of fact one year later as i was having my third,a boy, i made home made eggnog and we went over to his and Cindys and i went into labor. WE continued to sit there visiting and Cindy kept saying ” Don’t you think you should be going to the hospital now?” they were hard and fast but I said no I’m ok until she saw me grasping the arm of the rocker and she said honey you need to go now.We laughed and 2 hrs later my son was born. I have thought of them often.My girl was born in oct. of 1975. My condolances to Cindy.He was a sweet funny man and i will always think of clogs and a great handlebar mustache with great fondness. God Bless you all.
john george says
April 21, 2018 at 3:03 am

Rest in Peace my good doctor. 3 of my kids were delivered by Dr. Lilligren. My parents neighbor worked with him for over 2 decades and my wife adored him. When he delivered my son, it was the first time I was witnessed birth and he kept saying, if its a boy are you gonna name him James? I was like no, his name will be Joseph. I was thinking who’s James…That is when I learned Dr. Lillgren had a first name and that name was, James. He was soft spoken, cute funny and a gentleman. This area is made up of roughly 2 types of people, those who moved here from out of town and those that Dr. Lilligren gave birth to, correction, delivered (sorry ladies). . Your memory shall long live on beyond many of people and rightfully so. Godspeed.
Patti Castles says
April 21, 2018 at 2:18 am

You were the best doctor and one of the best men I know. I trusted you with my life many times and you never let me down . Your humor and your clogs will always be in my heart!!! I’m glad I got to see you recently !!!! You are missed!!!
Griselda Del Toro says
April 21, 2018 at 1:29 am

May he rest In Peace. He deliver me in 1977 and both of my daughters one in 2004 and 2006. He was an amazing OBGYN. My condolences to all his family.
Candy Padilla says
April 20, 2018 at 10:58 pm

I’m sad to hear this. Dr. Lillegren delivered 3 of my 4 babies (he retired before my last one was born). He was a great doctor and would always quiz my husband about how many parks there were in Tulock since he works for the City. We saw him last at Latif’s on my oldest son’s 18th birthday so all my kids took a photo with him, even the one he didn’t deliver. My he rest in peace and may his family be comforted in knowing he is in a better place. He will be missed.
Maria Almada says
April 20, 2018 at 4:03 am

May he Rest In Peace. He delivered my son and mu daughter. He was my Ob doctor until he retired. Our prayers are with the family.
Maria Almada says
April 20, 2018 at 4:00 am

May he Rest In Peace. He delivered my and daughter . He was Ob doctor until he retired. Very good doctor. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Virginia Vasquez says
April 20, 2018 at 1:30 am

Dr.Lillagrin was the best baby Dr.at Memorial Hospital in Turlock he delivered my two grandchildren one on February and the other in june he was so playful and polite with every one he will truly be missed by many R.I.P. Dr. Lillagrin our thoughts and prayers go out to his family
Virginia Vasquez says
April 20, 2018 at 1:29 am

Dr.Lillagrin was the best baby Dr.at Memorial Hospital in Turlock he delivered my two grandchildren one on February and the other in june he was so playful and polite with every one he will truly be missed by many R.I.P. Dr. Lillagrin our thoughts and prayers go out to his family
Pete De La Puente says
April 19, 2018 at 8:05 pm

Rest In Peace Dr. Lilligren…. you will truly be missed. Thank you for your years of friendship and jokes. Thank you for delivering my 2 girls. I remember you saying hey Pete look! I’m washing windows when you were cleaning up after my Kayla was born. Thank you again for your kindness