James (Jim) G. McCartney Colonel USAF Retired

Dr. James (Jim) McCartney was born in Kansas City, Missouri in 1951 to Melvin and Evelyn (Isariotis) McCartney. He is preceded in death by his father. He is survived by mother Evelyn, sister Ellen Upton of Kansas City, his wife Patti (King), and daughters Lindsay and Jamie.

Jim attended UMKC School Of Dentistry, received his Master's Degree at University of Texas, and Doctor of Dental Surgery from UMKC in 1976. After Dental School Jim joined the Air Force and pursued further training as a Prosthodontist graduating in 1982. During his 20 year career in the Air Force he was stationed in the Philippines, New Mexico, Texas, Okinawa and Colorado. He retired in Colorado Springs, CO and started his private practice in prosthodontics. Jim practiced for another 20 years and then after a brief retirement returned to teach dentistry at the University of Texas at Houston.

Other than his successful career, he will be remembered for his quick wit, intellect, integrity, humor, debonair fashion sense, but most of all his deep love of his family. Jim and Patti married in 1982 in Houston, TX. He and Patti proudly raised two daughters, Lindsay and Jamie. Jim was a devoted and active father he was always involved in their dance, music, and art shows. Jim's greatest hope was to have "everyone move home and live in the basement". He was generous with praise and approval for his two daughters and their achievements.

Jim had a tenacious commitment to fitness and exercise. He was always pushing his physical limits and searching for the newest and best exercise regimen and equipment. His family referred to him as "Big Hercules" due to his Greek heritage and physical strength. He trained daily for whichever current sport he was pursuing: earlier in his life he played baseball and football, and later Biathlons, Triathlons, and bike racing. His true passion was tennis, which he picked up in his 50's achieving 4.0 status in record time.

Jim was fun to be around and hilarious. He excelled at jokes and storytelling. His ability to regale a party was unprecedented. His string of jokes gained him the nickname "Dr. Dirt". Teasing people he really liked was one of his greatest pleasures; you knew he liked you if he teased you. He had fun entertaining his staff and occasionally surprised them with various disguises including wigs and fake facial hair.

Jim's intelligence was hard to miss, he was interested and curious about the world and always worked towards self-improvement. He was interested in science, physical and mental health, and spirituality. He was an avid reader and researched endless subjects. To challenge himself he read thought-provoking books such as Steven Hawkins' The Theory of Everything.

Jim moved to Austin, TX 2015 following his 2nd retirement with Patti to enjoy living in the sun and away from the snow.

His legacy is his generosity, love for his family, work ethic and integrity. He is greatly missed by family and friends far and wide.

Donations in Dr. McCartney name may be made to the American Stroke Association PO Box 841125, Dallas, TX 75284-1125.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, April 21, 2017 at Weed-Corley-Fish Chapel, 2620 South Congress Ave.