Surgeon James E. McClenathan

James Edward McClenathan, 85, a surgeon who helped develop surgical programs for children at Children's Hospital, died June 1 of bile-duct cancer at his home in Green Valley, Ariz.

Dr. McClenathan was associate chief of surgery at Children's Hospital from 1965 until his retirement in 1977. He helped pioneer several techniques at the hospital, including open-heart surgery to correct congenital heart defects.

He was among the first to use a new form of shunt to relieve pressure on the brain in children born with hydrocephalus, commonly known as "water on the brain."

Before taking his post at Children's Hospital, Dr. McClenathan had a long career as a surgeon in the Navy. He joined the Navy in 1942, while still in college, and remained in the service for 23 years.

After serving as a medical officer during the Korean War, he was assigned to the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, where he was chief of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery. He developed the cardiac surgery program at the naval hospital in the early 1960s.

Dr. McClenathan was born in Washington, Pa., and was a graduate of Washington and Jefferson College in his home town. He was presented a distinguished alumnus award in 1972. He received his medical degree in 1947 from the University of Pittsburgh.

Dr. McClenathan lived in Bethesda for 25 years and was a professor of surgery at George Washington University's medical school for more than a decade. He trained more than 30 surgeons who later became professors.

He was the author of more than 45 scientific papers and was certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Thoracic Surgery and had further certification in pediatric surgery.

He was a member of the Izaak Walton League and served as a chapter vice president.

After retiring from medicine, Dr. McClenathan moved to Carroll Valley, Pa., and later to Arizona.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Mary Evelyn McClenathan of Green Valley; three sons, James H. McClenathan of Los Gatos, Calif., Donald B. McClenathan of Wilmington, Del., and Robert A. McClenathan of Lancaster, Pa.; two sisters; and seven grandchildren.

-- Matt Schudel