James Michael Standefer

James Michael Standefer completed his journey with ALS at Circle of Life Hospice as he passed into the presence of the Lord July 16, 2016. He was born in Waco, Texas, to James Henry Standefer and Annie Pearl Wyly Standefer July 21, 1950. Michael married Diane Sinclair Standefer Aug. 22, 1977 in El Paso, Texas. He had three sons whom he cherished. He graduated from Baylor University and went on to get a Masters degree in Neurobiology from Baylor College of Dentistry and MD from Texas Tech Medical School. He did his neurosurgery residency at the Cleveland Clinic. He worked in Fort Smith (1985-2006) and later Northwest Arkansas (2006-2014) as a neurosurgeon to provide compassionate care. He was a member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Spine Society, and Congress of Neurological Surgeons. He was an avid golfer. After getting hooked on golf in junior high school, he played for his high school golf team and continued playing throughout his life. He loved many different genres of music and art. He enjoyed going skiing with his family. He loved traveling. Some of his more memorable trips were to China, Vietnam, Istanbul Turkey, and a train trip across Canada. He will be missed greatly by Shawn (son) and Ana Mamatelashvili of Melbourne, Australia; Peyton (son); Trang, and Vincent (grandson) of Fayetteville Ark.; Colin (son) of Rogers Ark.; Cleta Seton (aunt) of Pasadena Texas; in-laws, Betty and Stuart Sinclair of Fayetteville and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents. A memorial service will be on Saturday July 30, 2016 at 1 p.m. at Fellowship Church of Northwest Arkansas. 1051 W. Pleasant Grove Road, Rogers, Arkansas with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: ALS Foundation of Arkansas, 1200 W. Walnut Ste. 2309, Rogers, 72756. Circle of Life Hospice, 1201 NE Legacy Parkway, Bentonville, 72712. Village 2 Village, PO Box 756, Van Buren, 72957.