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.
For his service in the US Army Medical Reserve Corps during World War I, Ponder received a Presidential Citation.
He graduated from Howard Academy in Ocala and after attended Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina.
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.
Ponder set up office in two rooms of a black-owned building, the Royal Express Bus Line.
He was responsible for the creation of Mercy's prenatal hospital wing, which served African Americans.
[1][2] As an influential leader of the African American community in St. Petersburg, Ponder held various leadership positions.
Ponder was chosen as state commander, and he was in charge of bringing African American veterans together in Florida.