I.J. Sherman, M.D.

I.J. Sherman of Baton Rouge passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 3, 2018, just shy of his 81st birthday. He was born October 4, 1937 to Irvin Joseph Sherman, Sr. and Ruth McMahon Sherman of New Orleans. He was raised in New Orleans and graduated from St. Aloysius High School.  While attending LSU, he met his wife and “best buddy” of 58 years, Lady Pat Patterson.

I.J. graduated in Chemical Engineering in 1960 but soon after returned to LSU Medical School to pursue his degree in Dermatology.  In 1970, I.J. and Lady Pat moved from New Orleans to Baton Rouge with their four children to begin his practice with the Dermatology Clinic.  He valued his partners, nurses, and staff and loved practicing medicine and helping his patients which he did for 36 rewarding years.

After retiring from the Dermatology Clinic in 2006, I.J. worked part-time for various dermatology clinics and VA Hospitals throughout the country-primarily in cities where his kids and grandchildren lived.  In 2009, he began his second career as a full-time Dermatologist for the VA Hospital in Biloxi, MS where he worked until his second retirement in July of 2016.  In January of 2015, I.J. was named “Employee of the Year” with the Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System, an honor he celebrated with his family, friends and staff.  He also held numerous board and committee leadership positions throughout his career including President of the East Baton Rouge Parish Medical Society.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who enjoyed gardening, traveling and playing tennis.  I.J. was an avid reader who loved history and learning new things.  Mardi Gras was his always his favorite holiday and he loved attending any parade. I.J. had an insatiable appetite for sweets-especially pastries from McKenzie’s Bakery in New Orleans.  He relished his time spent sharing meals and holidays with his family, whether here in Baton Rouge, Boulder, Colorado or Johnson City, Tennessee.  I.J.’s quick wit and sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him.

I.J. is preceded in death by both of his parents.  He is survived by his wife, Lady Pat, his sons, Scott Sherman and wife Lisa Wiley Sherman of Baton Rouge, Michael Sherman and wife Lisa Waguespack Sherman of Boulder, Colorado, Bill Sherman of Baton Rouge and daughter Beth Sherman Thomas and husband Robert Thomas of Johnson City, Tennessee.  He was blessed with 10 grandchildren: Lauren Sherman Goodrich and husband Josh Goodrich, Megan Thomas, Morgan Thomas, Patrick Sherman, Jack Sherman, William Sherman, Sam Sherman, David Thomas, Steven Sherman, and Lucie Sherman and great-granddaughter Ryleigh Goodrich.

The family would like to thank Dr. Gerald Miletello and the staff at the Hematology/Oncology Clinic as well as the staff at The Hospice of Baton Rouge for their care and support. Memorial donations may be made in I.J.’s memory to the East Baton Rouge Parish Library or the Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge.  As per I.J.’s request, a private family burial will be held.  The family invites friends and extended family to a memorial gathering on Monday, October 8, 2018 from 12:00-2:00 p.m. at Resthaven Gardens of Memory and Funeral Home at 11817 Jefferson Hwy.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.