James E. Valentine, DDS MS

James Edwin Valentine, DDS MS, born on May 5, 1937, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2026, at the age of 89. He leaves behind a legacy marked by dedication to his profession, profound community involvement, and a deep love for his family.

James graduated from high school in San Bernardino, California in 1955 and shortly thereafter married his high school sweetheart, Jeanne Maxwell, in 1957. Their enduring partnership spanned an extraordinary 69 years. His early years included active duty service in the United States Navy and Navy Reserve from 1957 to 1960, where he trained as an electronics technician. Upon completing his service, James applied his technical skills at North American Aviation from 1960 to 1962, working as an internal systems tester and contributing to testing Hound Dog air-to-ground missiles. He then transitioned to Allstate Insurance Company as a computer maintenance engineer, serving from 1962 until 1971.

Motivated by a passion for advancing his education and career, James pursued dental studies in 1966. Supporting him through this journey, Jeanne attended dental hygiene school, graduating in 1968. James earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from West Virginia University in 1975, followed by a Master of Science in Orthodontics in 1978. Throughout his academic and professional life, he held leadership roles as Treasurer and President of his dental fraternity and alumni associations, evidencing a commitment to fostering the dental and orthodontic community.

James held numerous prestigious positions, including serving as President of the West Virginia Dental Association (1999-2000), West Virginia Orthodontic Association (1988-1989), and the Mon Valley Dental Association (1989-1990). He contributed significantly to the American Dental Association, the American Association of Orthodontics, and local dental study clubs. Moreover, he actively participated in the admissions committees of West Virginia University's School of Dentistry and orthodontic graduate programs from the 1980s through 2000.

His professional dedication was complemented by a rich engagement with his community and church. James was a committed elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Fairmont, serving on various committees including the Pastoral Search Committee in 1998. He also was a Director of the Fairmont Field Club (1990-1993), a longstanding board member of Monongahela Valley Bank since 1997, and served on the Fairmont/Marion County Regional Airport Authority Board from 1995 to 2002. An accomplished private pilot, James held a multi-engine land rating with an instrument rating, highlighting his diverse interests beyond his professional life.

James enjoyed tennis, dining, and croquet, pastimes that brought him joy alongside his professional and community commitments. After retiring, he lived in Wild Dunes before relocating Franke at Seaside, where he continued to cherish time with his beloved family.

James is survived by his devoted wife, Jeanne Valentine; their sons, Kevin (David) and Stephen (Karin); their granddaughters, Devin (Joey) and Ciera; and great-grandchildren JJ and Charlotte. In addition to his parents, Helen and Melvin, he is preceded in death by his sister Linda.

A memorial service will be held Monday, June 15, 2026 at Rodenberg Chapel at Franke at Seaside, 1500 Rifle Range Rd., Mount Pleasant at 10:30 am.

Memorials may be made to  "Operation Smile".

Arrangements are by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Mount Pleasant Chapel. A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.