| Jim grew up on a farm in North Dakota. After graduating from high school, he decided to become a veterinarian and enrolled at Washington State University in the fall of 1936, graduating in June of 1941. After two years of practice, he joined the army as a first lieutenant and was base veterinarian at Randolph Field, Texas. With the rank of major, he left the army and resumed practice at the Seattle Veterinary Hospital where he stayed for the next 50 years. In 1954, Dr. Kraft was elected president of the WSVMA. That was also the year that Washington hosted the meeting of the American Veterinary Medical Association in Seattle. He worked closely with Dr. Don Clark, a classmate, and Dr. George McNutt to hire a paid secretary for the WSVMA office. Bob Ford became the first professional secretary and helped set up the office in an efficient manner to handle the business of the state association. Most of the early meetings were patterned after the national association and flowed very smoothly. Dr. Kraft had a unique opportunity to be a partner with Dr. Fred Cummings in his early years. Dr. Cummings was a gifted avian clinician who contracted polio in 1948, which necessitated him to spend time in the “iron lung.” Through the support of Dr. Kraft and other colleagues, he was able to continue to see birds and other exotics. A special table was built to accommodate the wheelchair and breathing apparatus Dr. Cummings required, and his assistants served as his hands. Dr. Kraft would often substitute for Dr. Cummings so his partner could attend football games. Monthly veterinary association meetings were held at Dr. Cummings’ house to allow him to be present. Through the efforts of Dr. Kraft and his associates, Dr. Cummings stayed active and involved in his profession, which kept his enthusiasm high while suffering the symptoms of polio. For many years Dr. Kraft did not miss the past presidents’ meetings. He always encouraged colleagues and grateful clients to provide financial support for the veterinary college and through his efforts, the college has benefited greatly. At the time of this writing, a former client is in the process of donating close to a million dollars to the teaching hospital. In recognition of his dedication to the veterinary profession, Dr. Kraft has been granted life membership to the WSVMA. Dr. Jim Kraft and his fellow veterinarians had a special place in their heart for the profession, and they shared a passion for volunteerism. It was a special joy for them just to wear the title of “veterinarian.” |
