Dr. George J. Darke

Jim, as he was called from an early age, was born June 9, 1931, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the eldest of 3 sons of George B. and Fern Darke.

Jim grew up in the Lake Minnetonka and Excelsior area. He attended Excelsior High School (class of 1949) with a total graduating class of 64. In 2019 he traveled back to Minnesota to attend his 70th class reunion.

Jim was an Eagle Scout and spent many summers camping and canoeing the many lakes in Minnesota. He created lifelong friendships from these adventurous trips.

He knew at a young age that he wanted to be a dentist, following in his uncle footsteps.

Jim attended Hamlin University in Minnesota for two years before entering the University of Minnesota Dental School in 1951. It was there that he met Barbara Brooks who was in her last year of dental hygiene school.

Jim and Barbara married in 1954, the same year Jim graduated from dental school. As an Air Force Captain, he was stationed in Moses Lake, Washington, the home of Larsen Air Force Base, where he provided dental work for servicemen involved in the Korean War. They spent 2 years on that base.

Their first child, Linda, was born in Moses Lake, in 1955. In 1956 they moved to Portland where Jim began practicing dentistry in SE Portland. Daughter Paula was born in 1958; son John in 1961 and son Andrew in 1965.

Jim’s passion for dentistry and continuing education was evident by his involvement and contributions to numerous professional associations. He was President of Multnomah County Dental Society; President of the Oregon Dental Association; a Board of Director of the Dental Foundation of Oregon (DFO) for 23 years. Jim helped establish the DFO’s planned giving program and he helped build the DFO into the organization it is today which serves under privileged children’s dental needs in Oregon. He served on the Oregon Dental Service/MODA Board of Directors from 1998 to 2020.

Jim constantly challenged himself in dentistry and amassed thousands of hours of continuing education and was part of Oregon’s 1st graduating class of ‘Bioesthetic Dentistry’ in the 1980’s.

Jim retired from practicing dentistry in 2001 at the age of 70.

Jim was an avid golfer and a member of Riverside Golf and Country Club for 60 years; he also served as Club President in 1975-1976. He loved playing golf with his sons in many father/son tournaments, as well as many rounds with life long friends.

Jim & Barbara had an active friend base and were busy many weekends either traveling or playing card games with their many friends. They loved to travel and explore new places and also loved taking their children on trips. They spent quality time with friends and family at their Mt. Hood cabin as well as time at Black Butte Ranch, or on the sands of Maui, Hawaii.

Jim had accomplished much throughout his life and received many awards, but he always said he was most proud of his family. He loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and always looked forward to the many family gatherings.

He is survived by his brother John Darke (Darlyn); daughters Linda Lawler (Jim) and Paula Hoiland (Ken); son, John Darke (Leslie); grandchildren, Michelle Braunschweig (Bobby), Greg Hoiland (Micah), Jenna Goldby (Will), Leann Reece (David), Lauren Darke, Rebecca Helberg (Mason), Joanna Darke, Katherine Darke, Isabella Darke, Drew Darke, Andrea Darke and Gino Darke. He is also survived by great grandchildren Reese, Raegan, Brayden, Hunter, Jane, Carter, Kayson, Brooks, Eli and Hank. He had close relationships with all his nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by brother Robert (1989), wife Barbara (2008), grandson Brian (2013) and son Andrew (2016)

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10am Saturday, Feb 11th at Augustana Lutheran Church, located at 2710 NE 14th Ave, Portland, OR 97212, followed by a reception at the church.

Remembrances can be sent to PO Box 1409, Lake Oswego, OR 97035

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the

Dental Foundation Of Oregon

Tooth Taxi, 8699 SW Sun Place,

Wilsonville OR 97070

1-503-594-0880

https://www.smileonoregon.org

OR

Alzheimer’s Association

225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl 17

Chicago, IL 60601

https://www.act.alz.org