James Van Blaricum

PRATT-Van Blaricum, James Age 81, passed away on Wednesday, December 16, 2015, in his home in Pratt, Kansas. Born May 4, 1934, in Dodge City, Kansas, James was known by many names to many different people depending on when and where you knew him. In the man answering to Johnny, Jim, James, Van, Doc, Dad or Daddy, what was consistent was a man that had an intense desire to serve his family, friends and community. Johnny grew up in Minneola, Kansas, the son of Elsie and (Gordon) Dean Van Blaricum. He learned his love for music from his talented mother, and his love for the outdoors, dentistry and community service from his father. Those that really know him say his ornery streak may have come from the namesake grandfather. He attended McPherson College and continued to enjoy singing, performing and being a Yell Leader for the school. While in McPherson, he met his future wife, Mary Ann Aeschliman, who was studying at Kansas State. Married in 1958, Jim and Mary Ann moved to Kansas City where he attended the University of Missouri Kansas City and earned his Doctorate of Dental Science (DDS) degree in 1961. Van and his young family moved to Pratt, Kansas, in 1961. He quickly became settled in the community, building his dental practice and becoming involved in organizations such as the Jaycees, Rotary, the Miss Kansas and Miss America Pageants, the city council, PCC, Community Theater and local musical productions. He continually took up causes of passion for the community, his most recent being the creation of the Vernon Filley Art Museum. His love of the outdoors also continued and he was an active conservationist and sportsman who loved hunting, fishing, shooting and generally anything outdoors. Doc was a man who was leaned on, trusted and respected as a care giver. He pushed himself to be the best in his field, constantly worked to improve his skills and was proud to have served as the president of the Kansas Dental Association. He also worked tirelessly to ensure that he was available for his patients at any time of day. His family remembers countless emergency calls late at night or over the weekend to help a person in need. He loved what he did and enjoyed working with and getting to know his patients. James will be missed by many, none more than his loving family including his wife of 57 years, and their three children, Amy, Margaret, and John, and their combined family that includes eight grandchildren, and sister, Connie Smedley. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in his name to the Vernon Filley Art Museum in care of Larrison Mortuary, 300 Country Club Road, Pratt, KS 67124. A memorial service to honor his life will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, December 21, 2015, at the First United Methodist Church in Pratt. Lunch will be served following the service. Condolences may be left at www.larrisonmortuary.com