Dr. James H. Cann Jr.

Family-Placed Death Notice

CANN, James Dr. James H. Cann, Jr., 89, of Atlanta, Ga. and lately of Greer, S.C., passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at the home of his daughter, Liz Gray. Born May 23, 1919, he and his parents lived in Cranston, R.I. during summer and Orlando, Fla. during winter. He was the son of the late James H. and Elsie Timmey Cann. He was a retired dentist who practiced in Atlanta 33 years. He was a decorated veteran of World War II, having served in the 3rd Army, 10th Armored Division under General Patton. Dr. Cann graduated in 1953 from Emory School of Dentistry and was a member of Psi Omega Fraternity. He was a member of Peachtree Road United Methodist Church and a member of the Timothy Class Sunday School. He was a former member of Cherokee Town and Country Club. Surviving are three daughters, Elizabeth C. Gray of Greer, S.C., Dr. Roberta D. Cann of Atlanta, Ga., Martha C. Ernest and her husband Robert Ernest of Saginaw, Texas; one grandson, Sean L. Hastings of Atlanta, Ga.; and his dear friend, Dot Webster of Greenville, S.C. He was predeceased by his wife of 42 years, Judith Scarboro Cann. An avid sailor, traveler, and adventurer, he enjoyed life with exuberance. He traveled to the North Pole on expedition at the age of 78, completed preliminary astronaut training, and his only disappointment in life was that he would never travel to the moon to perform dental research in space. He loved being a dentist, and cared deeply for his patients and staff. Daughter Roberta became a dentist and they practiced together 7 years before his retirement. Always innovative, his office in Atlanta was in the Lenox Square Shopping Mall from its development. With the developer of Lenox Square, he designed the first Medical Concourse in the nation to be built in a shopping center. He, along with colleagues, provided free dental services to children, establishing dental clinics in various elementary schools. He loved deeply, and was loved by all he met. He was patient and kind to all people, never lost his temper, and was a true gentleman. He loved his family, was always available to us, and was fun! He was our hero, our mentor, and best friend. He will be sorely missed. A special thank you to his dedicated caregivers Liz Ferrie, Katrina Vondra, Angela Bryant, Angela Grayson, LaSonia Kinard, Ina Massingale, and Melissa Brown and many others for their tender care. We could not have done without you. Memorial Services will be held at 3:00 PM Sunday, June 15, 2008 in the chapel at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church, Atlanta, Ga. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Peachtree Road United Methodist Church, 3180 Peachtree Road, N.W. Atlanta Ga. 30305, and to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, ATTN: Tribute Gifts, Church Street Station, P.O. Box 780, NY, NY 10008-0780. DR. JAMES H. CANN, JR.