James R. Van Frank's Obituary
Dr. James Riley Van Frank, 84, died peacefully in his home Wednesday, August 12, 2015 surrounded by family who dearly loved him. He was born November 15, 1930, in Cairo, Illinois and moved to Memphis, Tennessee when he was five years old. He attended Snowden and graduated from Central High School. He attended college at the University of Memphis and furthered his studies at the University of Tennessee Dental School where he graduated in 1955. He met the love of his life, Emma Dean Maxey Van Frank, and they married shortly after he graduated dental school. They showed unwavering love and dedication to each other for the last sixty years. Jim was one of fourteen students to be part of the first Naval Reserve Dental Unit activated at an American college. He was a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy stationed in Paris Island, South Carolina. He was honorably discharged in February 1974. James was a lifelong member of the Memphis Dental Society, Tennessee Dental Association, and American Dental Association. He practiced as a dentist from September 1957 retiring in September 2000 after forty-four years. He was appointed by the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry as a Clinical Instructor so others could learn and be mentored by him. James was an avid golfer and fisherman and had many fond memories of golfing and fishing trips with his friends and family. Everyone that knew him loved and adored him for his kind hearted spirit and sense of humor. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louise Curl and James Newell Van Frank and his brother, Richard Newell Van Frank. He is survived by his wife, Emma and four children, James Riley Van Frank Jr. (Memphis, TN, wife Teri), Dr. Cindy Barton (Little Rock, AR, husband Bill), Thomas Maxey Van Frank (Memphis, TN, wife Lisa), and Dr. Tim Van Frank (Corpus Christy, TX). He also leaves behind 6 grandchildren: Riley Mason, Reid Mason (wife Maggie), Jamie Van Frank, Dean Van Frank, Neely Van Frank, and Kyle Van Frank and several beloved nieces and nephews. James was ordained a Deacon at Evergreen Presbyterian Church and an active member of Farmington Presbyterian Church. The family would like to give special thanks to Crossroads Hospice for the wonderful care and services provided to our family during this difficult time. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until the service begins at 2 p.m. Sunday, August 16 at Memorial Park Funeral Home. For those who wish to honor Dr. Van Frank’s life, donations may be made in his memory to Farmington Presbyterian Church or a charity of your choice.Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN 38119, “Celebrating Life… Behind the Stone Wall”
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