James Frederick Pocock (1961 - 2009)

Jim Pocock was a psychologist with the Hazelden Mental Health Center since 2001. He died in the early hours of May 21, 2009 from complications of colon cancer. The following is taken from an obituary from the staff at Hazelden Foundation where Jim worked.

Jim came to Hazelden as a practicum student in the mental health clinic in 2000, followed by a predoctoral internship. He was hired as a full-time psychologist at Fellowship Club in St. Paul and remained in that position until his death. Prior to becoming a psychologist, he worked as a chemical dependency counselor at a variety of agencies, including St. Mary's program. He was a licensed chemical dependency counselor. Jim had often remarked that, with the exception of his family, working at Hazelden and giving back to the field and to recovering people was the most important aspect of his life. Jim was a tremendous person, highly valued for his professional strengths as well as his many personal attributes. He was a courageous man committed to the recovering community and will be sorely missed. Some thoughts from people who knew and cared for Jim: We have been touched by working with Jim. Thanks for giving us the oppoftunity to learn from Jim. He really was outstanding! -Ruth Brennan-Morrey, Candance Blake, Terri Jashinsky and Ryan Van Wyk, current predoctoral interns who were supervised by Jim this year. Jim was a natural choice for our first full-time psychologist at FCSP because of his experience in chemical dependency and psychology, and his devotion to our profession and our patients. -Mark Sanstead, Manager, FSCP Mental Health Clinic Jim was an amazing man and he will be missed more than anyone knows. His love of Hazelden and passion for recovery shone through in all of his work --Susan Hoisington, executive director of clinical services Jim had a passion for recovery and was especially effective in helping people on Extended Care during the time we worked together. He will be greatly mlssed. -Paul Mladnick, interim supervisor Family Program I am going to choose to remember Jim for his wondefiul laughter and his phenomenal support. I am going to miss Jim very, very much. Fellowship Club simply will not be the same without him. -Beth Smith, psychologist at FCSP 05/22/09