Jack Matthews Farris, UCSD Surgeon-Professor, Dies at 78

Dr. Jack Matthews Farris, a retired surgeon and professor at the UC San Diego School of Medicine, died Wednesday of heart failure at Scripps Memorial Hospital. He was 78.

Friends described Farris, who came out of retirement in 1983 to serve as the medical school’s associate dean for community relations, as a “Renaissance man.” A philanthropist and collector of contemporary art, the accomplished surgeon counted wine tasting, magic tricks and piloting a plane among his many skills.

Friends said Farris’ wry wit and humor left a mark on UCSD and the La Jolla community.

“Jack was a magnetic individual who earned the friendship and loyalty of a remarkable group of people,” said UCSD Vice Chancellor for Health Services Gerard N. Burrow. “He had the professional credentials that commanded respect, but it was his charm and generosity of spirit that won not only the respect but the affection of so many.”

As associate dean, Farris was responsible for expanding the interaction between the School of Medicine and the community. He founded the Off the Wall Street Dance and Block Party, an annual fund-raising function in La Jolla. And he played a major role in the recruitment of senior faculty and administrators.

A graduate of the University of Nebraska School of Medicine, Farris completed his internship and residency training at the University of Michigan. He joined the Army Medical Corps as a major and earned a Bronze Star for his service overseas during the final years of World War II.

After a stint on the faculty of the University of Michigan, Farris came to Los Angeles area, where he had an active surgical practice for 25 years. In 1973, he moved to La Jolla, where he distinguished himself on the UCSD medical faculty, receiving the title of emeritus professor of surgery six years later.

Farris is survived by his wife, the former Carolyn Peck Rowan, two daughters, two step-daughters, a stepson and five grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Torrey Pines Christian Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Off the Wall Foundation, care of the UCSD School of Medicine dean’s office, M-002, La Jolla CA 92093.