Dr. Robert Harrison Janes, Jr., 77, of Fort Smith, died surrounded by family on the afternoon of April 23 at Peachtree Hospice Sparks Hospital.
He was preceded in death by his parents Robert Harrison Janes, Sr., and Fahy Mathers Janes.
He is survived by his wife of 55 year,s Patricia Rose Mayes Janes, three sons Robert Harrison Janes III and wife Megan of Little Rock, Clayton Mayes Janes of Toluca Lake, Calif., Matthew Stephen Janes and wife Kathryn of Dallas and five adoring grandchildren, Robert Harrison Janes IV, Mary Jewel Janes, and Sadie Rose Janes of Little Rock, and Emma Louise Janes and Ainsley Rose Janes of Dallas, and very dear nieces, special friends and colleagues.
Born Nov. 13, 1939 in Little Rock, Bob spent his early years in Dumas later graduating from Jacksonville High School in 1958 where he was a Red Devil and a member of the Civil Air Patrol.
He attended the University of Arkansas from 1958 to 1961 and was a member of the Lambda Chi Fraternity.
In 1965 he received his Doctor of Medicine at the University of Arkansas College of Medicine and continued his training there as an intern and surgery resident.
From 1970 to 1972 Dr. Janes served in the United States Air Force as a Major and as Chief of Surgery at Mather Air Force Base, Sacramento, Calif..
In 1972 he moved with his family to Fort Smith joining Holt Krock Clinic as a general surgeon and later formed Surgical Associates of Sparks Medical Foundation.
Dr. Janes also practiced at Sequoyah Memorial Hospital, Crawford County Memorial Hospital, St. Edward Mercy Hospital, and later practiced for 12 years at the Choctaw Nation Hospital in Talahina, Okla..
His passion for the practice of medicine was appreciated by his patients and recognized by his peers.
He was a proud member of the American College of Surgeons where he served on the Commission on Cancer in various roles including Chairman. In his capacity as National Surveyor for the Commission on Cancer, he was able to travel to all 50 states between 1980-2012.
He was a member of the National Executive Committee of the American Cancer Society from 1989-1995 and was President of the Ark. division numerous times.
He also served on Governor Huckabee’s Breast Cancer Control Advisory Board and presented and published many articles.
Outside medicine, Dr. Janes’ interests were broad ranging.
He was a founding member of the Fort Smith Chorale in 1983. Including performances at Lincoln Center in NYC, he sang with the chorale until 2015.
He was President of the Fort Smith Symphony and also a member of First United Methodist Church where he was especially inspired by the Discussion Class.
“Gran-Gran/Grandad” was an avid Razorback fan and loved attending games with his three sons and grandchildren. He regularly attended music events and concerts. He enjoyed traveling, going to children’s and grandchildren’s events with his beloved wife “Nana Rose”, motorcycling, and flying as an instrument rated pilot.
A private burial will be held at Fort Smith National Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church on Wednesday, April 26th, with a visitation following.
Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Discussion Class of his church and former surgery partners.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to:
• Fort Smith Chorale, P.O. Box 10254, Fort Smith, Ark. 72917
• Alzheimers Association Fort Smith, 4300 Rogers Avenue, Suite 24, Fort Smith, Ark. 72903
Or a charity of the donor’s choice.
The family wishes to express a heartfelt appreciation to Peachtree Hospice Sparks Hospital, Brookdale Memory Care, Sindee Snipes, and Melissa Burgess.