Dr. Bobby Clark James

Dr. Bobby Clark James, 89, of Bartlesville, passed away at home on Wednesday, August 14, 2024.

He was born in Amarillo, Texas, on August 1, 1935, the only child of Glenn E. James and Doris M. James. The family moved to Borger, Texas, when Bobby was 6 months old and he attended school in Borger through high school, during which he was on the honor roll, was President of Hi-Y and the school band and attended Boys State in 1953. Bobby graduated from Borger High School in 1953. He went to Kanakuk Boys Camp for 6 years as a camper, his final year was named Chief of the Choctaws, and he served as counselor the summer after high school graduation.

He graduated from the University of Texas in 1957, where he lettered in track as a freshman and was a member of the Interfraternity Council and Silver Spurs, as well as president of Phi Delta Theta fraternity spring semester.

After graduating from the University of Texas, he served four years in the United States Marine Corps on active and reserve status. While in the Marines, he received the American Spirit Award Medal, Platoon and Series Honor Man Award which included rifle marksmanship, leadership ability, progress in training, attitude, and conduct.

After his USMC tour, Bobby taught biology for one year at Borger High School before entering dental school. He transferred from the Marines to the Army and attended Baylor College of Dentistry where he met and married Yvonne Morrison who was attending Caruth School of Dental Hygiene. He graduated from dental school in 1963. While in dental school, Bob was in the Army Reserves and upon graduation became a Captain in the Army Dental Corps. He was selected for a year-long Army dental internship at William Beaumont Hospital in El Paso, Texas. He then served two years at 4th Army Headquarters at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio. During his six years in the Army, Bob and Yvonne, along with children George and Susan lived in El Paso and San Antonio, Texas.

Dr. James established a private dental practice in Bartlesville in 1966, where Yvonne was his dental hygienist for 42 years. He served as President of Bi-State Dental Society for two years, President of the Northern District Dental Association, as well as various other dental organizations.

He was a past member of the Bartlesville Jaycees and the Bartlesville Chamber of Commerce and was a member of Hillcrest Country Club since 1969. Other memberships included Legion of Honor Order of DeMolay, Blue Lodge #284, 32nd Degree Mason in the Scottish Rite bodies, Shriner in the Tulsa Akdar Temple, and a 50-year member of the Royal Order of Jesters Court No. 47.

Bob was a wonderful husband, dad, granddad, and great grandad (BaPa). He loved his family, his dogs, his golf, and his life’s work.

Bob was predeceased by his parents Glenn and Doris James, and Yvonne’s parents, Pete and Frances Morrison. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Yvonne; his daughter Susan James and her partner Jim Grant of Las Vegas, Nevada; his son: George James and his wife Keely; granddaughters Kami Shipman and husband Shannon; Katy Baker and husband Joshua; his great-grandchildren Kannon Shipman, Ellie Baker, Georgia Shipman, Mabrey Baker and Callie Shipman, all of Stillwater, Oklahoma.

A visitation with the family will take place on Thursday, August 22, 6:30-8:30 pm at Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home & Cremation Service at 710 S. Dewey Avenue, Bartlesville, Oklahoma. A family graveside service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests charitable contributions can be made to Animal Rescue Foundation ARF, P.O. Box 3292, Bartlesville, Oklahoma 74006. Online condolences may be left at www.honoringmemoriesbartlesville.com.