Dr. James Royal Minish

Dr. Minish practiced Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Fort Smith for over 36 years. He attended Tenn. Wesleyan College in Athens, Tn., The University of Tn. College of Dentistry in Memphis, Tn. and did residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at The University of Tn. College of Dentistry and the City of Memphis Hospitals.

He was a Fellow in the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, a member of The Midwestern Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, a member of The Arkansas Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Fort Smith Dental Society, on the medical staff of Sparks and St. Edwards Hospitals.

Dr. Minish was a member of First Presbyterian Church and served several terms on the session. He was a former director of Bancorp South, Hardscrabble Country Club, St. Edwards Hospital Board of Advisors, and Delta Dental Insurance Co. He also served on several local boards including The Civil Service and The Tax Equalization Board six years. He coached boy’s church league baseball 8 years. He loved his time served in the Army Reserve for 12 years.

Dr. Minish is predeceased by his parents, Henry Doss and Arrie Zonia Garrison Minish, sisters Wilda Mae and Mary Sue Minish of Athens, Tn. He is survived by his wife, Patsy Lee Minish, the love of his life; his children, Pamela Minish and wife Martha and children, Emily and George of Hartford, Ct.; Holly Hensman and husband, Brian of Fayetteville, Ar. and children, Adam and Caroline; Heidi Dougherty and husband Kirk and children Spencer and Patrick Dougherty; Stephanie Wright, husband Damon and children Jordan, husband Taylor Burgess, Courtney, and Gabby; Harold Ray Harp and James Royal Minish, Jr, and companion Ashley, and children William and Wyatt; several nieces and nephews.

Dr. Minish loved golf, played tennis, and enjoyed travel throughout the world. He loved his wife, children, and grandchildren and took great pride in their many accomplishments and felt that the world is a better place because they are here. He was thankful for all of the blessing of life including his many friends, and felt his life was full of unbelievable gifts that could only happen in America. He wishes to thank all the patients who he treated and the excellent staff who assisted in their care. He would also like to thank the oncology doctors and nurses at Mercy Hospital for their very special, tender, and loving care.

Funeral service will be at Monday, April 19, 2021 at 1:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church: 116 N 12th, Fort Smith. Public viewing will be Saturday, April 17 from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm and Sunday, April 18 from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. There will be no visitation.

Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church or Children’s Emergency Shelter: 3015 S 14th Fort Smith, AR 72903

Mask and distancing will be required at First Presbyterian Church. The service will be lived streamed at www.1pres.org.