James H. Belt, M.D.

James H. Belt, M.D. 90, of Indianapolis, IN passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, August 5, 2016. Jim was born in Indianapolis, IN on October 14, 1925. After graduating from Indiana University School of Medicine, Jim served an internship at Kansas City General Hospital and did his residency in the Pediatrics department at Riley Children's Hospital. From 1954 to 1987, Jim had a private practice of pediatric medicine in Indianapolis. After closing his office in 1987, he worked with Project Hope in Grenada, West Indies, China, and Russia. Jim's extensive academic experience included Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the IU School of Medicine, Chairman of Pediatric Section at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, Chairman of Pediatric Section at Humana Women's Hospital in Indianapolis, and Team Physician for Athletic Sports at North Central High School in Indianapolis. Jim was a member in a variety of professional organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association, the Indiana State Medical Society, and the Marion County Medical Society. Jim also served as a medical expert, testifying for pediatric Social Security disab...[more]

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ty cases. From 1944 to 1946, Jim served our country as a Pharmacist Mate 3rd Class on the U.S.S. Ticonderoga CV-14 in the United States Navy. Jim was widely traveled, enjoyed family vacations, and playing golf. In years past, he loved spending time with his sons playing football and riding go-carts. He will be remembered by many driving and maintaining his signature white 1975 Corvette convertible. He was a member of Carmel Christian Church, The Service Club, The Gyro Club of Indianapolis, and American Legion Post #153. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, James Howe and Martha Ellen Belt; first wife, Ellen Orcutt Belt; and sons, Gregory James Belt and Robert Matthew Belt. Jim is survived by his wife, Marcia Burkert Ruch Belt; sons, Jeffery (Cynthia) David Belt, and Thomas (Suzie) Guy Belt; grandchildren, Lauren (Matthew) Ketcham, Amanda (Chris) Sapp, Rachel (Kevin) Broderick , Andrew (Laura) Belt, Laura Belt, and John Belt; and 6 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be on Tuesday, August 16, 2016 from 9-11 AM at Tabernacle Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, IN with a memorial service to follow at 11 AM. Private family interment will be at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, IN. In lieu of flowers, Jim's family requests that a donation be made in his memory to Tabernacle Presbyterian Church, Carmel Christian Church, or St. Vincent Hospice.