James P. Pilliod, MD, 83, of Belmont passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2014. He was born in New York City on August 9, 1930, the only son of James J. and Mary Alice (Phillips) Pilliod. Raised in Scarsdale, NY, his education included Scarsdale High School ’48, the universities of Yale ’52, and Duke ’60, and training at University of Michigan ‘64.
Specializing in Pediatrics James “Doc” Pilliod settled in the Lakes Region as a dedicated pediatrician for 31 years (1964-1996) with the Laconia Clinic. Upon retiring from the clinic he continued with public service becoming a NH State Representative for the next 16 years (1996-2012) and coining the phrase “The Doc in the House”.
Many of his accomplishments include serving as a Naval Officer in the United States Navy from 1952-1956, receiving the Dr. George “Pete” Harris Community Service Award for promoting increased awareness, sensitivity, understanding and acceptance of mental health issues. He served several years on the Genesis Behavioral Health Board and was an advocate for mental health during his time in the state legislature; he clearly understood the impact of mental illness on family and community and was a voice for a population that often had none.
He served on numerous committees and boards including but not limited to: Board of Mental Health Centers, Lakes Region Child Care Services, NH Delegate American Medical Association, President NH Medical Society, and State of NH Health and Human Services/Elderly Affairs.
His hobbies included camping, gardening and a love for dogs, currently a rescue named Molly! For many summers “Doc” traveled by boat to the lake’s summer camps, serving as camp doctor. An active member of the Winnipesaukee Yacht Club, his love for the lake ultimately included being the sponsor of the statewide speed limit bill.
He is survived by his wife Judith (Bean) Pilliod and seven children: Sharon Grant, Linda Pilliod, Mary Curtis, James Pilliod, Susan Pilliod, David Pilliod and Charlie Pilliod. He is also survived by ten grandchildren and one great-grandson.
Please join family and friends for a memorial service for the Honorable James P. Pilliod, MD which will be held at 2pm on Saturday, March 15, 2014 at the Gilford Community Church, 19 Potter Hill Road, Gilford, NH.
Contributions may be made to the following organizations that were important to him: Genesis Behavioral Health, Attn: Development Office, 111 Church Street, Laconia, NH 03246, NH Humane Society, PO BOX 572, Laconia, NH 03247 and Lakes Region Child Care Services 22 Strafford Street, Unit 4, Laconia, NH 03246.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements.