James W. Novak DDS

Dr. James Wayne Novak, DDS, 73, passed away December 3, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born and raised in Ennis, Texas and grew up in a close-knit and supportive Czech community. Those roots remained an important part of his identity throughout his life, even as he later made Dallas his home with his cherished wife Lynda.

Jim graduated from St. John High School in 1969 and went on to Navarro Junior College, where he earned a place on the Dean’s List and received the President’s Honor Award for outstanding scholastic achievement. After attending North Texas State University, he decided to earn his Doctorate at Baylor College of Dentistry in 1975.

Jim built and maintained his downtown Dallas practice until retiring in 2017. For many years, he successfully balanced his family life, dental practice, and the continuation of the family farm in Ennis.

Working the farm led him to travel to Paris for the first time where he fell in love with international travel. For years, he spent evenings and weekends planning his trips to China, Germany, Italy, Jerusalem, France, Egypt, Dubai, Austria, Switzerland, Croatia, Belgium, Luxembourg, Czech Republic, and countless cities across the country. But Paris was the city he travelled to most.

Jim was a good cook, charcoal grill master, and true Texas Rangers and Dallas Mavericks fanatic. He loved fishing and hunting with his dad, brother and children.

After retirement, Jim hit his personal record of diapers changed, baby bottles filled and hours of babysitting. It was rare to see Jim without a camera in his hand. Those same moments he filmed “annoying” his children will be cherished for years to come.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife, Lynda Novak, who surrounded him each day faithfully by his side at home until his peaceful passing. Jim and Lynda have four children: Meribeth Banaschik, Christopher Novak, JJ Novak, and Jamie Patselov. Together they have four grandchildren: Molly Novak, Luke Banaschik, Lainey Novak and Alina Patselov. He is survived by his sister Marita, brother Ken and aunt Jeri Anne Kopecky who met once a month for years with their respective spouses for dinner and fun events.

A rosary will be prayed to celebrate his life at Sparkman Hillcrest on Thursday, December 11th at 5 pm (visitation 4-6 pm). Funeral services will be held at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church on Friday December 12th at 10am followed by the burial at Sparkman Hillcrest. Family and friends are invited to gather in celebration of Jim’s life at their home following the burial.