As a man of medicine, Dr. John Pearson could have made a good living simply focusing on the treatment of people’s ailments in a professional and businesslike manner.

Instead, the longtime Apex resident made it his life’s work to genuinely care for his patients and do whatever was necessary to help a person in need.

Pearson, 84, passed away at his home Saturday following a long illness. A memorial service was held Wednesday at Apex United Methodist Church.

Considered a true “country doctor” Pearson was one of just two doctors in Apex for many years. The Duke University graduate and World War II veteran served his patients for more than three decades before retiring in the early 1990s.

His former patients remember Pearson as being more than just a talented physician. They recall a good-natured man who strove to put people at ease even during even the worst times.

“He went way beyond what most doctors would have done in helping me and my family,” said Ann Thornton, who knew Pearson for over 40 years. “He was the kind of doctor who helped you emotionally as well as physically. He truly cared and he took time to go the extra mile.

“As far as I know he was never too busy to see anybody if they had a problem that needed to be resolved right away. He was the kind of country doctor you read about. I loved him and the kids really took to him. Everyone just loved him to pieces.”

Former pharmacist Margaret Perry knew Pearson for years when she owned Apex Pharmacy on Salem St. (in the building that is now Anna’s Pizzeria). She recalls a day in the late 1950s when she suffered terrible pains from a kidney ailment and went to Pearson for treatment.

“I left the drugstore and went to his house but he wasn’t there,” said Perry. “By the time I drove home and pulled into the driveway he was pulling in behind me in his car. He had to help carry me into the house because I was in so much pain. Once he found out I was sick and needed help he had rushed right over to my house. That was just the type of person he was.”

Pearson served for years as the team doctor for the Apex High School football team and earned the respect of many students and players.

“He could talk with anyone at any level at any age,” said former Apex player Felton Yeargan. “He was great with the players, just very easy going.”

Years later, after Yeargan returned to Apex after a serving in the military, he became one of Pearson’s patients.

“I never smoked until after I got out of the service,” said Yeargan. “I had a touch of emphysema and I was wheezing. Now, Dr. Pearson smoked all the time. So when I asked him what was wrong he said I’d be fine if I just quit the cigarettes. I said, ‘But you smoke, too.’ He just laughed and said, ‘I’m a doctor. Just do as I say and not as I do.’ I did quit smoking and it did help me.”

Former Apex Mayor James Austin said he will always feel gratitude toward Pearson for selling him his house at a very low price.

“He sold me his house in 1960 when I couldn’t afford to buy it,” said Austin. “He called me and said to just come look at it and we could work something out. He gave me a great deal.

“But he was always quick to go the extra mile and help people. I know he never really put pressure on people to pay for his services if they couldn’t afford it. He was just a great guy who knew how to get along with everybody.”

When families were struggling financially Pearson was known to treat two or three children for the price of one visit.

“He was a character and a great person,” said Thornton. “You missed something by not knowing him.”