David Geraint James FRCP (2 January 1922 – 20 October 2010) was a Welsh physician who devoted his career to the treatment of sarcoidosis, setting up a specialist clinic for the condition and earning the nickname of the "King of Sarcoid". In 1958, he organised the first international conference on sarcoidosis, and was instrumental in the setting up of the World Association of Sarcoidosis and other Granulomatous Disorders (WASOG) in 1987. James was involved in a number of societies including the Medical Society of London and the Osler Club of London, which he represented at the formation of the first committee of the British Society for the History of Medicine (BSHM) in 1965. Early life and education David Geraint James, also known as Gerry, was born on 2 January 1922 in the mining village of Treherbert, Rhondda Fawr Valley, Wales. His father, local headmaster David James, wrote a regular column in Welsh for The Western Mail, a daily national paper. James had one step brother, Arnold, from his father's first marriage, who later became the town clerk of Stepney. James's mother, Sarah (née Davies) who was widowed, had a family farm in Llanarth, near New Quay, Cardiganshire and already had three daughters when she married James's father. James was her fourth child and was just six years old when his father died. James became an active member of Urdd Gobaith Cymru (Welsh League of Youth) by the age of 10. He was fluent in both Welsh and English, giving speeches in both languages. He also played the organ and rugby. After attending Pen-Yr-Englyn primary school and then the Rhondda County School for Boys, his interest in science and ambition to study medicine lured him to Pontypridd County School. In 1939, he joined Jesus College, a Welsh college at the University of Cambridge and subsequently gained admission to the Middlesex Hospital, London, to study medicine. In June 1941 at the age of 19, he gained a bachelor's degree with honours in the National Science Tripos of anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. Second World War During his time as a student at the Middlesex Hospital, James assisted the casualties of The Blitz. With colleagues, he transported the wounded to safety and fire-watched at night. In addition, during the Second World War, James served in the Royal Navy working as physician to a small fleet of minesweepers in the English Channel. Medical career He