Dr. Jose M. Arcila M.D., 93, died peacefully in his sleep at 5:22 a.m. on Sunday, May 6, 2018 at his home in Petersburg, Illinois.
Dr. Arcila was born on Oct. 31, 1924 in Colombia, South America. He graduated from the prestigious National University of Colombia in 1946 with a degree in medicine. For his doctoral thesis, he developed an innovative surgical technique for patients with esophageal cancer. It is a technique that is still used in surgery today.
He practiced general medicine, with a specialty in surgery, for 21 years in Bogota, Colombia. In 1967, he emigrated to the United States after being accepted to a medical training program at the Cook County Hospital (now Stroger Hospital) in Chicago.
After completing the program he moved to central Illinois to establish his practice in medicine. In the early 1970s he served as a surgical assistant to the famed cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Robert Harp, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield.
Over the years, Dr. Arcila worked in several hospitals and private medical practices in Illinois -- in Virden, Havana, Decatur and Chester. He had a long and prosperous career until he finally retired from medicine in his 80s.
Dr. Arcila was a classy and charming man who had many talents. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather to his large family. He loved to read, draw, and paint, and he played the guitar, organ and accordion. He was an avid boater who loved to spend weekends on his houseboat on the lake. He enjoyed tennis, baseball, and soccer. He was a die-hard Cubs fan, and he enjoyed watching University of Illinois football and basketball.
Dr. Arcila is preceded in death by his wife of 27 years, Clemence Arcila. He is survived by his children: Maria Arcila Duncan (Erick) of Charlotte, N.C., Vicki Bonnett (Jeff) of Havana, IL, Linda Weimer (Stan) of Manito, IL, and Roger Seifert (Julie) of Petersburg, IL.
He is also survived by grandchildren: Andrew and Gabriela Duncan of Charlotte, NC, Melissa (Jerry) Schreck of Normal, IL; Bret Unruh of Havana, IL, Jon Unruh of Havana, IL, Katherine (Kyle) Davenport of Pekin, IL, Margaret Weimer of Champaign, IL, Samuel Weimer of Manito, IL, Ryan Seifert (Jennifer) of Athens, IL, and Brandi (Andrew Goering) Seifert of Maroa, IL; eight great-grandchildren; as well as nieces, nephews and cousins.
In accordance with Jose's wishes cremation rites were accorded by Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg. A memorial gathering will be held at the funeral home from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 12 with a graveside service at Rosehill Cemetery in Petersburg immediately following the memorial.
Those who wish may leave memorials in Dr. Arcila's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
You can visit Dr. Arcila's online obituary at www.hurleyfh.com.
