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Dr. James Colston Elder, Sr.
Nashville, TN - Dr. James Colston Elder, Sr (Jim) born August 30, 1929 in Mobile, Alabama to Edwin and Daisy Elder died September 16, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee 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, Tennessee and attended Columbia Military Academy where he was awarded an appointment to West Point Military Academy. Opting for a career in dentistry, he chose to attend Vanderbilt University (Nashville) and the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry (Memphis). He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega and Psi Omega Dental Fraternity.
Upon graduating, Jim joined the Navy (Lieutenant - junior grade) where he served as a dentist to the Marine Corps. He was stationed at Parris Island in Beaufort, South Carolina and was later commissioned as a Lieutenant before being honorably discharged in 1957.
Jim then moved to Nashville to practice dentistry and begin his family. As an eternal lover and learner of dentistry, Jim was affiliated with numerous dental academies and organizations during his 55 years of practice. He was a past president of the Nashville Dental Society, a member of The Hinman Dental Society, the American Academy of Dental Practice Administration, a member and Fellow of the American College of Dentists and a volunteer and supporter of Interfaith Dental Clinic.
He was an avid golfer and member of Belle Meade Country Club and often referred to dentistry as his hobby and golf as his work. He was blessed to travel with friends playing some of the best golf courses around the world.
Jim was an Elder of Westminster Presbyterian Church where he worshiped every Sunday for over 65 years and 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, Texas, Elizabeth Elder Hazelwood (Victor), Mary Kim Elder Shipp (Phillip) and James Colston Elder, Jr. (Margo) of Nashville, Tennessee.
He is also survived by his nine grandchildren Whitney Blonkvist Gripp (James), Kevin Michael Blonkvist, Jr. (Katy) and James Christopher Blonkvist (Haley) of Midland, Texas, Jeremy Blake Triplett, Mary Palmer Shipp, Elizabeth Nicole Triplett, Zachary Darshan Merrick, William Davis Shipp and James Colston Elder, III, all of Nashville, Tennessee, and nine great grandchildren. Jim often said he lived a charmed life for which he was very grateful.
A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will take place 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.
Condolences may be made at Woodlawn-Roesch-PattonFH.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home & Woodlawn Memorial Park.
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Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home & Woodlawn Memorial Park660 Thompson Ln, Nashville, TN 37204
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