Col (Ret.) James J. Geertsema D.D.S.

After graduating from Emmetsburg High School is 1966, Jim attended University of Iowa and received his undergraduate degree. Afterwards he was accepted into the Iowa School of Dentistry and pridefully graduated in 1973.

After serving two years in the U.S. Navy, James, continued to faithfully serve his country in the U.S. Army where he retired as a Colonel in 1995. While serving in the Army, he completed his residency in Prosthodontics at the Letterman Hospital located in San Francisco, California. James’s exceptionally meritorious conduct while serving his country earned his the distinguished Legion of Merit Medal.

Upon retiring from the military Jim became an Assistant Professor in the Department of Prosthodontics at the University of Health Science Center at San Antonio, where he was also a Diplomat in the American Board of Prosthodontics.

Jim enjoyed tennis, golf and travelling, especially "cruising" with his adoring wife, Barbara. What he was most proud of was his children and family and spending time and making memories with them.

He is survived by his beautiful loving wife of nearly 53 years, Barbara; his sons, Cameron and wife Jill and John and wife Heather; grandchildren, Julia, Caroline, James Britton, Anna, Katherine, and Elizabeth; and brothers, Richard and Michael Geertsema.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 11am at St. Laurence Church located at 519 N. Kimball Ave, Southlake, Texas 76092. A private graveside service at Dallas/Ft. Worth National Cemetery at a later date.

Donations can be made to the Parkinson Voice Project at 646 North Coit Rd Suite 2250, Richardson, Texas 75080.

Flowers can be sent to Stonebriar Funeral Home, Frisco, Texas.