Dr. James Otis Royder has completed his earthly journey on January 16th, 2018 and his soul has ascended to Heaven. He was born on October 30, 1931 in San Marcos, Texas to Thomas II and Marcella Royder. Jack has two siblings, Tom and Amelia.

Jack was raised in Austin and went to college at the University of Texas in Austin and was in the NROTC.

After graduating, he entered the Navy as an ensign and was stationed on the USS Gwin DM33 (Destroyer Class) in the Mediterranean Sea. He remained in the naval reserves throughout his medical career and re-enlisted again in 1981 for four years, where he was stationed at Subic Bay, Philippines, in the medical corps.

He practiced Osteopathic Medicine & Obstetrics for 46 years in the Dallas area, as well as in the U.S. Navy, Columbus, Ohio and Hurst, Texas. After he retired from private practice in 1996, he did Locum Tetum and disability evaluations as a Designated Doctor for Texas Worker's Comp. Commission, around the state.

In 1969, Jack leaned to fly, bought a plane and joined DOCARE (D.O. Care); A group of doctors that volunteered their medical skills for medical missions to remote locations in Northern and Southern Mexico.

He taught Obstetrics at a Dallas Hospital for 16 years and delivered 3,110 babies. He was an Associate Professor at Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine for 6 years and a Visiting Professor at the Ohio College of Osteopathic Medicine for 2 years, where he taught Medical Students, Interns and Residents in Osteopathic Practice and Principles.

Jack received his Pain Management training in Naval Hospitals in San Diego and Norfolk, VA. In 1981, He initiated a Multi-disciplinary Pain Clinic at the Naval Hospital in the Philippines, and in 1983 at Doctors Hospital in Columbus, OH., and again in Hurst, TX., from 1985-1996.

While on active duty in the Navy 1981-1985, he served as Director of the Out-Patient Clinic as well as the Pain Clinic at the US Naval Regional Medical Center, Subic Bay, Philippines. He served 42 years in the Navy and in 1991, he retired as a CAPTAIN in the Medical Corps.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Brittney and her husband George. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Patricia (Pat), and children; Clayton and wife Mona, Bradley, and Randi. Grandchildren: David, Mark and wife Amanda, Megan, Alexandra, Katarina and her husband Will; and he was recently blessed with a Great-Grandchild, Leo.

Visitation with family and friends will be from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Thursday (2/8/18) at Byrum Funeral Home. Jack was cremated and his ashes are to be interred at DFW National Cemetery. His funeral procession will be leaving First Christian Church in Lancaster at 10:00 AM on Friday (2/9/18) for Military Honors at DFW National Cemetery at 11:15 AM. A Celebration of Jack's Life will follow at 2:00 PM Friday (2/9/18) at First Christian Church.

A more honorable and caring man I have never known. He was an inspiration to many, and will be truly missed; until we meet again!

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, Jack's family would appreciate donations to the James O. Royder Scholarship Fund at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in his memory. Please make checks payable to: UNTHSC Foundation and forward to the following address: 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107 or go online to unthsc.edu/giving and Make a Gift."

Or Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, 1515 Chennault Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76127 or go online to www.nmcrs.org .