Lasting Memories
James O. Starr
Dec. 28, 1934-May 7, 2020
Portola Valley, California
Our beloved patriarch, James Oliver Starr, born December 28, 1934, passed on May 7, 2020 after a brief struggle with pancreatic carcinoma. Jim was raised in Yosemite Valley and attended the Valley’s one-room school through the eighth grade – he moved to Fresno, California to complete his high school education. After graduating from UC Berkeley in 3 years, Jim trained in dentistry at the University of California, San Francisco. He met the love of his life, Pamela Starr, during summer break in Yosemite. They were married at the Yosemite Chapel in 1956 and remained inseparable. Besides his family, Jim’s other loves included skiing until he was 84 (he said his body “tingled” when skiing), cycling, sailing, travel, photography, and woodturning. His turned blocks of wood will adorn many homes and offices for centuries to come. Jim Starr’s dental career spanned 42 years, beginning in Hawaii when he was an Air Force Captain. In 1962, he moved to Palo Alto, where his career in private practice flourished. While he enjoyed working in the dental profession, he lived for his patients. Caring for generations of families was the lifeblood of Jim’s work, and his love of it was passed to his son Jeff and grandson Ryan (the fourth generation of dentists in the family) – both followed Jim into the family practice. Only one patient has experienced the dental skills of all four generations, our matriach, Pam Starr. Jim is survived by his wife of 64 years, Pam, his sons Jeff and wife Linda, Jon and wife Kelly, daughter Lisa, four grandchildren Ryan, Ashley, Serena, & Victoria, and one great granddaughter, Amelia. Jim Starr’s love of the high sierra and national parks in general can be recognized with a gift to the National Park Service (www.npca.org/give/memorial-tribute-giving). A family memorial service is planned in Wawona, Yosemite, where it all began.
Oct. 30, 2020
Jim Starr was both our family dentist and a wonderful, warm-hearted gentlemen. My siblings and late parents were all fond of Jim. Condolences and affections to Jeff and the rest of the family.
June 13, 2020
I was one of Jim's patients as a youth and he always made the dentist visit as tolerable as possible. I always enjoyed our families time together. Great man! Will be missed... Dwight
June 2, 2020
Jim was a friend but more important he was a sailing buddy. We met at the South Beach Yacht Club in San Francisco in the late 80’s. In 1992, after I retired, I happened to be talking to Jim one day about sailing to Mexico for six months. Soon we were discussing buddy boating, Jim in his Baltic 51, Rascallion, and me in my Contessa 32, Grenadier. It didn’t take too long to see that taking two boats was impractical so we both agreed to do the adventure on his sailboat. After months of preparation we left San Francisco in late October 1993 arriving three days later in San Diego for last minute provisioning. Then we were off with a crew of six. We spent the next six months cruising the west coast of Mexico and hit every harbor between La Paz and Acapulco picking up new crew every six weeks. During that period we never had a single argument of disagreement. Jim was a great gentleman and the most wonderful companion sailor and I shall always remember those months with him as some of the best in my life. Rest in Peace my friend and may you always have a fair wind and a following sea. Paul