Deceased October 25, 2023
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In Memory
Imagine fireworks set off into the sky, sparkles heading out into darkness in all directions, except they don’t flame out but continue as the initial beam expands and expands and expands. My dad—“Jamie,” as most people knew him—was one of those fires: he ignited everyone he met.
He was born in Kampala, Uganda, on April 12, 1946, son of Omwami Musa Mukooza and Blandina Nakuumba. After a long illness, he died on Oct. 25, 2023.
He is survived by wife Katherine, seven children and many grandchildren. Jamie and Kathy raised their family in Guilford, Conn., and Getzville, N.Y., and worshipped at St. John’s Episcopal Church and St. Philip’s Episcopal Church respectively.
He graduated from Amherst in 1970 and, by 1975, earned his M.D. and Ph.D. from the University of California San Diego School of Medicine. He went on to complete his medical residency at Yale New Haven Hospital.
Jamie practiced medicine for more than 40 years and published dozens of papers, working as a pulmonologist, researcher and university professor. His research shaped public policy and is well known for investigating how highway air pollution impacts children and low-income communities.
A lifelong photographer, Jamie threw himself into his passion upon retirement. His class’s 50th Reunion included several of his works.
His children have all gone on to fruitful lives and careers in education, the arts, government and business.
Loved and admired by classmates and beloved by his family, his silly and self-deprecating humor was legendary—as in describing himself as “Mr. Wonderful,” especially when he was in the hospital.
Be that person who lights you up:
the one who laughs too loud;
the one who isn’t afraid to say the truth;
the one who dreams again.
Because if Dad saw you, he’d laugh and say: Yes! Mr. Wonderful strikes again.
Logan Nakyanzi Pollard ’97