James Frank Orr

Several thousand miles trekked— several thousand forward notions endured beneath bare, earth laden soles supporting a strong, able body and just mind. Within those several thousand miles, many roads were conceived, others interlaced, then the remaining enlightened, inspired, provoked, and especially humored.

James Frank Orr was a man of word and deed; a prime example of self-sacrifice as to further build the generations that surrounded him. As a student of Cedar Valley Community College, James knew from the very beginning that he desired a position that would allow him the opportunity to offer his aid—in whatever form—for the common public. By the time he reached Howard Payne University, with Shelly Jean Allred at his side, he accomplished his Bachelors of Science and centered his focus on medical studies. He probably did not expect to finish his education as Top Gun in Parker College of Chiropractic, but his profound intelligence especially showed as he delved deeper into the medical field and even tampered with the idea of entering the world of surgical care. Regardless, if he wasn’t with friends, he was sneaking off onto the golf fields, and if not pinning his hopes on a birdie, he was pursuing his efforts as a chiropractic and director of rehab during the years of 2002 – 2006. Following his chiropractic career, he began a new chapter as an orthopedic physician assistant by May of 2007 with Dallas Spine Care and Wellspine; therefore, bringing his greatest ambitions as a surgical assistant to life.

Throughout his youth and during much of his early, college years, James was known for his athletic feats. As a member of the Cedar Valley baseball team, his prowess was especially recognized by the student body and soon captured the interest of the university of Howard Payne in Brownwood. It was then that he was welcomed into the program as a fellow, Yellow Jacket the fields of science. By the time James’ baseball passions had gradually dissipated, he moved on to coach soccer for the Wylie Recreational League. What began as a hobby to teach his own children how to kick and teeter around a ball became a fully-fledge, astute, and satisfying pursuit. He developed a passion for teaching kids of all ages the sport of soccer and used this open window to encourage them to allow these strategic lessons to influence his team member’s lives outside the field. From Pirate to Blue Diamond, a Dragon, DI Star, or Mustang: despite working full time, he made every effort possible to be present for each one of the teams he led and strived to serve as the best mentor possible as to allow for a structured path to grow, facilitate, and sprout from an age of youth into a promising adulthood.

James’ natural charisma and ecstatic personality allowed him to actively seek the development of new relationships throughout his life- acquiring many, loyal friends and beloved individuals of young and old along the way. Such moments held reminiscent of his childhood- biking, exploring, pulling pranks, all of which came as flashbacks as he waited in the dugout spitting one sunflower seed after the next. In moments like these throughout his lifetime, James came to recognize who his true friends were and stuck with them through and through, regardless of time or distance. With each friend, he’d eventually cross their paths and pause on his trek to focus his energy on them alone and their families that slowly grew in number. There was always a new story to tell, a success to pride upon, or simply a new crude joke with an open can of beer or two.

In the twenty-two years of faithful union, James and Shelly walked along these narrowed paths with one pair of feet laced in aged, leather flip-flops and the other trotting along bare just offside the gravel against the cool grass. Hand clasped in hand, fingers intertwined, they each saw many faces come and go. They watched as one child tumbled after the next, took turns calling out as the other trailed behind, held on tight when one became lost, but ushered on. Even when surprised with a new addition, it was within those mixed blue and brown-stained eyes that they found motivation to continue moving along as they always do. At times, one child would blaze ahead, then during others James or Shelly would slow their step and take the hand of a fallen kid and pull them back up onto their feet. They watched as their children grew into actors, scored in academic brilliance, or work as artists. They encouraged the youngests’ to embrace their passions through passive yet nurturing gestures that were distinctive to them, yet motivating and loving nonetheless. James, as a God-fearing man, did his best to provide for his family. He kept them as their priority, and his hard work reflected in the precise, careful surgeries he assisted in. Even when he fell, even when he struggled, he still pushed himself so that he may feel assured that his efforts will only bear his family with the fruits of his labor.

With each step, a new tale spawned. Although James may no longer leave an imprint into the soaked earth, his steps will follow in the trails yet to be paved: through the soccer teams he taught, to the friends who came and go, his brothers, mother, those he recognized as father, and other family that he held close, and especially through the children he raised and the wife he devoted his undying love to. A coach to some, a mentor to others, a welcomed, steady hand behind a scalpel, a loyal, vivacious friend to many: however, more importantly, a husband and father to the eight he treasured most. James always had a way of bringing those he loved together, regardless of circumstance.

James will be missed, but the memories will carry on in the pathways ahead.

The thousands of miles he traveled will only follow pursuit to the millions in the generations to come.

James is survived by his wife Shelly Orr, children Taylor, Easton, Zachary, Lyndon, Paige and Christina, father Wesley Orr, Sr. and his wife Stephanie, mother Kay Phillips and her husband Mike, siblings Wesley Orr, Jr. and his wife Ruth and Rich Orr and his wife Carrie, mother-in-law Sharon Allred, maternal grandmother Irene Gelner, brothers in laws Jason Allred and his wife Jenni, Jarrett Allred and his wife Malesa and Hut Allred and his wife Brenda, and many loving nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his son Daniel and father-in-law Jerry Allred.

The family will receive friends at a visitation from 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, August 6, 2017 at Allen Family Funeral Options. Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, August 17, 2017 at 1 p.m. in the sanctuary at Christ Church Plano, 4550 Legacy Dr. Plano, Texas 75024.

If you would like to further your support for the family of James Frank Orr, condolences, you may find a donation pool for the Orr family’s GoFundMe page at https://www.gofundme.com/james-orr-medical-expenses .

Or contact Shelly Orr by email: [email protected] .