West Tennessee Healthcare announces death of CEO James Ross

West Tennessee Healthcare President and CEO James "JR" Ross in front of entrance to Jackson-Madison County General Hospital. (Photo: West Tennessee Healthcare)

West Tennessee Healthcare President and CEO James “JR” Ross died Thursday.

Ross had helmed the nonprofit health care system that serves half a million West Tennesseans since 2017.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Ross family as they grieve and we would ask that everyone respect their privacy,” West Tennessee Healthcare stated in a social media post Thursday afternoon.

The company did not release Ross’ cause of death.

“The Board of Trustees and the leadership team are in prayer for all of our West Tennessee Healthcare family and medical staff members as we navigate through this difficult time. We will be providing more information once arrangements are finalized,” the post states.

Ross is survived by his wife Cindy and two daughters, Ashley and Kelsey.

Beneath the post, hundreds of commenters shared their condolences and praised Ross’ dedication to his patients.

In a statement on X, Jackson Mayor Scott Conger said he is “heartbroken by the loss of James “JR” Ross, a dear friend and incredible leader at West TN Healthcare.”

“JR’s heart for this community and the people in it was unmatched,” Conger wrote. “His legacy will continue to inspire us all.”

Originally from Henderson, Tenn., Ross earned his nursing degree in Jackson, Tenn. and began working for West Tennessee Healthcare as a registered nurse in the surgical intensive care unit in 1985, according to his company profile . He went on to serve in multiple patient-facing and administrative roles at the Jackson-based health care company, becoming vice president of hospital services in 2000 and then chief operating officer in 2009.

Ross held degrees from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Union University and Jackson State Community College.

Ross led the health care system through the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent revenue dips and staff furloughs. West Tennessee Healthcare closed its Humboldt Medical Center emergency room and expanded Milan General Hospital’s emergency room and upgraded its trauma center under his tenure.

The company opened a new North Hospital facility in Jackson in 2022, marking the seventh hospital for the health care system, which in total runs 90 medical centers serving 9,000 square miles , much of which is rural.

In several rural areas , West Tennessee Healthcare operates the only hospital in the county .

Tennessee, like other states across the nation, has seen an increase in rural hospital closures in recent years. Tennessee has logged 15 rural hospital closures since 2010, the second-most rural hospital closures of any state in that time period.

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