2021 brought a great loss with the passing of Dr. Jim Boerner. He was a man who defined what it means to be dedicated to his profession and the community he called home. He touched the lives of many, through his professional career and philanthropic heart.

Dr. Boerner had practiced obstetrics and gynecology in Murfreesboro since 1981, and when Middle Tennessee Medical Center moved from Highland Avenue to the new hospital on Medical Center Parkway, he had the unique honor of delivering the last baby born at the old Rutherford Hospital location. Several hours later, after all patients had been transferred to the new hospital, Dr. Boerner delivered the first newborn at what is now Ascension St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital. Over the span of his career, he delivered over 10,000 babies. Dr. Boerner also served as a Laborist at St. Thomas Rutherford where he shared his talents with colleagues, residents, medical students and nurses.

He was active in training residents at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital, and was honored with the 2017 Professor of the Year award. He chaired the St. Thomas Rutherford board from 2018 through 2020, and continued to serve on the board. He and his wife, Sydney, co-chaired the $10,000,000 capital campaign which was successfully completed last year and they funded the naming of the Labor and Delivery waiting room. They are the Dr. Liz Rhea Philanthropist of the Year recipients for 2022.

Dr. Boerner was a longtime leader in the 100+ year old Rotary Club of Murfreesboro, and was perhaps the only individual who served two terms as president of that civic organization. He served on the Board of Directors of Volunteer Behavioral Health Service for over 35 years, most recently as Chairman of the Board.

Ascension St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital President and CEO Gordon Ferguson said it best, “The loss of this servant leader and dedicated physician will leave a void in our hearts forever.”