James Maxie Ponder

James Maxie Ponder (February 22, 1888 – March 4, 1958) was a physician and the first African-American admitted to practice at Mercy Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida. He was regarded as an influential leader of the African American community in St. Petersburg. For his service in the US Army Medical Reserve Corps during World War I, Ponder received a Presidential Citation.

Early life Ponder was born in Jacksonville, Florida, to William and Addie (née Williams) Ponder. He graduated from Howard Academy in Ocala and after attended Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina. In 1915, he graduated from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee.

Career After graduating from medical school, Ponder started a practice out of his house in Ocala. The kitchen was used as an emergency operating room. Ernest Ponder recalls victims of accidents and gunfights would appear at their home all hours of the night, and his father would care for their wounds. Payment frequently came in the form of poultry, vegetables, and ham. He was honorably discharged on March 7, 1919. James and Fanny adopted a girl named Florine sometime during the 1920s.