J. Michael Gross ’59

Mike died Feb. 6, 2015, from complications following abdominal surgery.

Raised in Winnetka, Ill., he attended New Trier High School, where he was class president during his senior year. At Princeton, he took his meals at Cap and Gown and majored in politics, which did not deter his acceptance to Northwestern University Medical School. Following a urological residency at UCLA, he served as a Naval flight surgeon. After he completed his service, he established a practice in Ojai, Calif., to savor his favorite pastimes.

Mike loved the outdoors. He was an avid biker and backpacker, a successfully deceitful fly-fisherman, a dedicated gardener, and a certifiable oenophile, familiar with his state’s extensive vineyards and vintages. He was an enthusiastic host, providing his guests tours of the countryside and access to his guesthouse on the beach in Ventura. His life was both full and fulfilled.

The class extends sympathy to Mike’s brothers, Dennis and Terry; his sons, Eric and Doug; and to his grandchildren, Xitlali and Javier.