James Ross

James Lowell Ross, D.D.S. Born October 25, 1930, passed away on February 9, 2012. Dr. Ross (Jim) is survived by his son, Curtis (Sheryl), and his daughter, Leslie (Mike) Page, both of Indianapolis, and his sister, Betty Beckett of Reston, Virginia. Jim is also survived by 5 grandchildren – Laura Page (Chicago, IL), Sarah Page (Santa Maria, Costa Rica), Jennifer Geesy (Josh) (Farmland, IN), Lance Corporal Christopher Ross, USMC and Patrick Page (Indianapolis). Jim is also survived by a niece, Paula Beckett Bliss (Howard) of Purcellville, VA, and his loving friend, Barbara Hagstrom (Indianapolis). He was preceded in death by his father, Lowell Ross, and his mother, Letitia (Helfer) Ross. Born in Indianapolis, Dr. Ross spent his formative years in Norfolk, Virginia where he gained a deep appreciation for books, the saxophone and aviation. After graduating from the University of Virginia in 1953 with a B.A. in English Literature, Jim studied dentistry at the Medical College of Virginia (now Virginia Commonwealth University) in Richmond, Virginia. In 1958, Jim began his dental practice in Lapel, IN. Later, he opted to practice dentistry with Dr. Robert Risk – an association that turned into a life-long friendship between the two. Not one to allow his work to interfere with other pursuits, Jim was one of the original founders of the Central Indiana Soaring Society and served as President of the Blatchley Nature Study Club. Jim also found time to be a very active member of the congregation of All Souls Unitarian Church. Jim took a sabbatical from dentistry in the late 1960s to pursue a writing career. During this period, Jim and his family experienced rich and culturally diverse lives in Lesvos, Greece, Nenzing, Austria and Campeche, Mexico. In 1982, Jim founded American Family Dental Center with the concept that all dentistry services could be provided under one roof. During this period, Jim employed a number of local dentists, hygienists, dental technicians and dental assistants. Jim was a member of the American Dental Association, the Indiana Dental Association, the Indianapolis District Dental Association, and the American Academy of Dental Group Practice. In his retirement years, Jim occupied himself with his love of music (playing saxophone in a band), painting and books (he was an avid reader). He also was very devoted to his grandchildren – rarely failing to miss any of their activities. A memorial service is planned at All Souls Unitarian Church, 5805 East 56th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, Friday February 17, 2012 at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at support.woundedwarriorproject.org or All Souls Unitarian Church. Arrangements by Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Center-Broad Ripple. You are invited to go to the Guest Book page to pass along your personal message or tell a story. Sincerely, -Your friends at Flanner and Buchanan