Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Mike James

Remembering Mike James’ dedication and contribution to the pharmacy community

Story by Sarah Clark | Photo courtesy of Anna Edmondson | Published December 3, 2024

Mike James, who passed away in October, was an inspiring leader within the pharmacy community in North Carolina and beyond.

He wore many hats in his life, from serving in the military to representing pharmacists at the state and national level. His dedication to service, however, is something that remained consistent throughout his life.

Mike’s tenacity and leadership shined through as he worked diligently to unite the pharmacy community at large. Whether independent or corporate-led, Mike understood the importance and value of uniting pharmacists to support local communities and provide reliable access to health care. He also spent countless hours in Washington, DC, advocating for pharmacists nationwide during his time as Vice President and Director of Government Affairs for the Association of Community Pharmacies Congressional Network.

Andy Ellen, president and general counsel of the NC Retail Merchants Association, was a longtime friend and colleague.

“One of Mike’s lasting legacies would be that Mike really took an interest in trying to get pharmacy students to understand the importance of what their profession was,” Andy says. “Mike was very proud of the pharmacy profession.”

His contributions to the community and to the profession resulted in various awards and accolades throughout Mike’s life, including The Order of the Long Leaf Pine award in 2005, The Bowl of Hygeia in 2006, and the M. Keith Fearing Award from Campbell University in 2008.

“The pharmacy community has lost a great leader in Mike, but we remain steadfast in honoring his legacy by moving forward our profession to provide accessible, affordable, high quality health care for our communities,” says Angela Kashuba, Dean of the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy.

Mike was a dedicated Yankees and Tar Heels fan, and a great leader in the pharmacy profession. He will be missed, though his impact will resonate for years to come.