The HASC staff are saddened to learn about the Dec. 7 passing of James E. Sauer, Jr., former chief executive officer of Saint Joseph Hospital, Burbank.
Sauer graduated from the University of North Dakota and the University of Minnesota before serving as an officer in the United States Air Force. He then began a long and successful career in hospital administration. At Saint Joseph Hospital, founded in 1943 by the Sisters of Providence, Sauer became the organization’s first lay administrator, from 1979 until he retired in 1992.
Earlier, Sauer served as assistant administrator of Children’s Hospital, Seattle, and Providence Hospital, Portland, and chief administrator of California Hospital, Los Angeles. A board chair for the California Hospital Association and Blue Cross of California, he also was a board member for the American Hospital Association. Sauer received a prestigious Health Care “Good Scout” Award, recognizing community leaders who exemplify the Scout Oath and Law, from the Boy Scouts of America.
Sauer is survived by his wife, Sharon; his three sons, Scott, Jeffrey and Steven; and six grandchildren. A funeral mass will take place Friday, Dec. 22, 1:30 p.m. at Holy Family Church in South Pasadena. Memorial gifts can be made online to the Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles or sent to 920 E. Alhambra Road, Alhambra, CA 91801.