T. James Guzik

Dr. T. James, “Jim”, Guzik was born on July 28*, 1937, on the south side of Chicago, in a Polish neighborhood.

He received his medical degree from Loyola-Stritch University (Chicago, Illinois) and completed his internship and residency at St. Francis Hospital, the West Side VA Hospital, Chicago and the Naval Hospital, San Diego.

While in the Navy, Dr. Guzik was deployed on all but one of the Pacific aircraft carriers. He was a medical officer in the 3rd Marine division hospital in Danang, Vietnam. Later he spent time on a carrier during the Saigon Evacuation. Dr. Guzik loved his Navy experience and the opportunity to train countless residents in general surgery. Aside from working at the Naval Hospital in San Diego, he was the Chief of Surgery in Okinawa, Japan for 2.5 years. During his time, in Japan, with his wife and young son, they explored the island of Okinawa, traveled the Orient and grew fond of eating sashimi.

Dr. Guzik was proud of being the Principal Investigator for the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast Project sponsored by the National Cancer Institute from 1971 — 1977 and 1980 — 1988, where he attended seminars around the country and as far away as Canada After 22 years, mostly at Balboa Naval Hospital, Dr. Guzik retired from the Navy and began his private practice at Mission Bay Hospital. As a board-certified Surgeon, Dr. Guzik was published in a number of medical journals and performed a wide spectrum of surgical procedures.

In his free time, Jim enjoyed gardening and grew over 50 varieties of fruits and vegetables for his family. Additionally, he excelled in volleyball, and was a setter for the Phib Pac., (All Navy) Volleyball team which won three gold medals during the early 70’s. While living in South Mission Beach (the “Beachouse”), Jim held down the south most volleyball court on the bay-side for years. He passed down his love of sports to his children and spent countless hours coaching and supporting their athletic endeavors.

While living at the Beachouse, Jim met his wife, Nancy, at an Officer’s Club dance at Miramar Naval Air Station. His pick-up line was, “Aren’t you my stockbroker’s secretary.” Somehow, this line worked (sort of) and they were married for 45 years and blessed with 2 children.

Dr. T. James Guzik is survived by his sister, Colette Murphy, his wife, Nancy, and their children, Ty Guzik and Kelly Morgan, and three grandchildren, Stone and Gage Guzik and Taylor Morgan. Jim was an incredible surgeon, loving husband, phenomenal father and dziadzia.

Internment service to be held on February 21st, 2020 at 9:30am at Miramar National Cemetery.

Following the internment service, a celebration of life is to be held at the Mission Beach Women's Club from 4:30 pm until 8:30 pm.