Biography:

Dr. James Gilbert Bice was born near Ailsa Craig in McGillivray Twp., (Middlesex County), Ontario on the 1st of May, 1877.   Dr. Bice was the 3rd of 4 children born to William Lorne Bice and the former Helena McRann.  His parents were farmers and his siblings were; Margaret Jane Bice, Albert Artimus Bice and Ellen Elizabeth “Lillie” Bice.

According to the 1901 census, Dr. Bice was a teacher.  According to the 1928 Ontario Medical Register, Dr. Bice graduated M.D. from the University of Western Ontario in 1907 and he started practicing medicine in Chatham.  Dr. Bice joined the College of Physicians and Surgeons on the 2nd of July, 1908.

Dr. Bice married Minnie Laurina “Laura” Parker in London, Ontario on the 23rd of August, 1910.   Mrs. Bice was born on the 7th of October, 1879 in Middlesex Co., the daughter of William Parker and the former Letitia McClurg. She was the eldest of 5 children and at the time of her birth her parents were farmers.  Her siblings were; Olive, William, Ella and Marshall. According to the 1901 census, the Parker family resided in the Village of Denfield in Middlesex County.  Dr and Mrs. Bice were married by Dr. Bice’s older brother, Rev. Albert Artimus Bice.

Dr. and Mrs. Bice moved to London prior to 1911.  Mrs. Bice died in 1924.

In the July 3rd, 1928 edition of the Chatham Daily News, an article appears advising that Dr. Bice had purchased the practice of Dr. Ernest C. Riseborough of Chatham.  The 1928 Ontario Medical Register identifies Chatham as the location of Dr. Bice’s medical practice.  According to the 1929 Vernon City of Chatham Business Directory, Dr. Bice’s office was located at 53 Sixth Street and the office phone number was 183.  Dr. Bice resided at 317 Victoria Avenue and his home phone number was 1696.

Dr. Bice died at his residence on the 16th of March, 1931.  At the time of his death, he resided at 701 Hamilton Road in London.  Dr. Bice was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in London, beside his wife.

Tombstone Photo Credit: Anne F.

*Dr. Ernest Cecil Riseborough also appears on the Chatham-Kent Physician Tribute website.