Dr. James Colston Elder Sr.

Dr. James Colston Elder, Sr (Jim) born August 30, 1929 in Mobile, AL to Edwin and Daisy Elder died September 16, 2020 in Nashville, TN with children by his bedside. He was predeceased by his parents, Shirley Ruth Cobb Elder and his wife of 46 years, Beverly Smith Elder. 

Jim grew up in Lawrenceburg, TN and attended Columbia Military Academy where he was awarded an appointment to West Point Military Academy. Opting for a career in dentistry, he instead attended Vanderbilt University (Nashville) and later the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry (Memphis). He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega and Psi Omega Dental Fraternities, respectively. Upon graduating, Jim joined the Navy (Lieutenant – junior grade) serving as a dentist to the Marine Corps on Parris Island in Beaufort, SC where he was commissioned as a Lieutenant and honorably discharged in 1957.

He then moved to Nashville, TN to practice dentistry and begin his family. During his 55 years in practice, Jim was affiliated with numerous dental academies and organizations. He was a past president of the Nashville Dental Society, a member of The Hinman Dental Society, the American Academy of Dental Practice Administration and a member and Fellow of the American College of Dentists. Jim was also involved with Interfaith Dental Clinic donating countless hours serving the needy.

He was an avid golfer and member of Belle Meade Country Club often referring to dentistry as his hobby and golf as his work. As a member and Elder of Westminster Presbyterian Church for over 65 years he often participated in community outreach programs such as Room in the Inn.

Jim is survived by his four children whom he loved dearly Emily Elder Blonkvist (Kevin) of Midland, TX, Elizabeth Elder Hazelwood (Victor), Mary Kim Elder Shipp (Phillip) and James Colston Elder, Jr. (Margo) of Nashville, TN. He is also survived by his nine grandchildren Whitney Blonkvist Gripp (James), Kevin Michael Blonkvist, Jr. (Katy) and James Christopher Blonkvist (Haley) of Midland, TX., Jeremy Blake Triplett, Mary Palmer Shipp, Elizabeth Nicole Triplett, Zachary Darshan Merrick, William Davis Shipp and James Colston Elder, III of Nashville, TN, and nine great grandchildren. Jim often said he lived a charmed life for which he was grateful.

A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Monday, October 5, 2020, 3:00 PM. In accordance with current guidelines, the service will only be open to family but will be livestreamed through the Westminster Presbyterian Church website.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church 3900 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37205.