Dr. Jouko Kalervo Halme

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jouko Kalervo Halme, 82, better known as Jokke to friends and family, at UNC Medical Center in Chapel Hill on Monday April 7, 2025.

Jouko was born in Helsinki, Finland, in 1942. After completing medical school at Helsinki University, Jouko moved to the United States in 1977 with his family to further pursue his medical career as an OB/GYN and Reproductive Endocrinologist. Originally moving to St. Louis, MO for a position at Washington University School of Medicine, Jouko and the family quickly resettled to Chapel Hill, NC and a new position at UNC School of Medicine, eventually becoming Clinical Associate Professor. For a few years the family lived in Santa Monica, CA while Jouko served as Associate Professor of OB/GYN at UCLA. Later in his career Jouko helped found and direct the North Carolina Center for Reproductive Medicine and later had his own private practice, Reproductive Consultants in Raleigh, NC. Jouko was passionate about women’s health and helped in research for endometriosis. He was a skilled surgeon and also helped many families with infertility issues.

Jouko is survived by his wife of 50 years Anja-Pirkko Halme (Ippis); his three daughters, Kati Chassaignon, Anna Schuckman and Orvokki Crosby; three grandchildren, Akseli Crosby, Eila Schuckman and Cooper Schuckman; sons-in-law Jerstin Crosby and Dane Schuckman. He is also survived by one sister Silja and many loving nieces and nephews in Finland. Jouko was preceded in death by his younger brother Esko.

Jouko lived out his passions and his convictions, in addition to his expertise in reproductive medicine. He was humble about his accomplishments. He traveled widely with his wife and family around the world. He loved snorkeling, scuba diving and other adventurous activities. He was an avid home chef and a champion fencer (Southeast Section 1971 in the US, and won many awards from competitions in Finland and around Europe in the 1960’s). He stayed physically active later in life by achieving the rank of black belt in Aikido. His sense of humor, smarts and cool demeanor served him well throughout his life. He will be greatly missed.