Dr. J. Chris Perryman, MD, passed away on July 7th, 2022, at his home in Overland Park, KS. Chris was born in Wichita, KS on April 10th, 1950, to Roy and Arvilla (Stever) Perryman. Chris knew as early as eight-years-old that he wanted to be a doctor. He received a fullride scholarship to Yale University, earning an undergraduate degree in Biology, then returned to his midwestern roots to attend the University of Kansas Medical School, graduating in 1976. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Saint Luke’s Hospital. Early in his residency he met Kathy, who became his best friend and beloved wife of 45 years.
Chris developed his clinical practice that spanned more than 45 years at Saint Luke’s Health System. He was committed to building lasting connections and a strong rapport with his patients through the many phases of their lives and for multiple generations of families. His strongest passions were the day-to-day practice of medicine and education, both his own and preparing future practitioners. He was a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine with the UMKC School of Medicine and educated residents and medical students in internal medicine for over 30 years. He was honored to receive the Missouri Chapter Laureate Award from the American College of Physicians in 2010 for his excellence in medical care, education, and service within the specialty of internal medicine. He was also a respected leader and advocate for physicians throughout his career. He served two terms as Medicine Department Chair, then in several medical staff offices, leading to becoming President of the Medical Staff. He was Medical Director of St. Luke’s Internal Medicine since its opening in 1992. Chris served as Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for Saint Luke’s Health system since 2018 and was a steadfast champion for all physicians. His leadership proved vital throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, during which he provided a dedicated and trusted voice for the health system’s medical staff, employees, patients, and communities.
Chris will be remembered for his up-beat personality, quick wit, sharp observations, humility, leadership, incredible intelligence, and his genuine care for all who knew him. He was a devoted husband and father. He enjoyed reading, watching all sports (especially his KU Jayhawks and the KC Chiefs), taking walks with the family dogs, doing crossword puzzles, traveling with family, and simply relaxing at home. Chris was committed to his spouse, his Christian faith, and his family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Kathy; their four children, Natalie, Katie, Max, and Mollie; his son-in-law, Sebastian; and his two sisters, Jeanette and Roann. In the words of Chris: “Who you are as a being and the love you give and share will mean far more to you and to others than what you ever accomplish.” He never spent a day without expressing gratitude for being blessed with a wonderful life; his life has truly been a blessing to us all.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 12th, 2022 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in St. John’s United Methodist Church, 6900 Ward Parkway Kansas City, MO 64113. The Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, July 13th, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. at St. John’s United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Johnson County Memorial Gardens,11200 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS 66210.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Saint Luke’s Foundation. Online contributions can be made at https: //saintlukesgiving.givevirtuous.org/Donate or St. John’s United Methodist Church, https://www.shelbygiving.com/app/giving/stjohnsumckc.
