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New Mexico Dental Journal, Spring 2015
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Membership Matters
membership
Obituaries
Dr. Jim Economides
Dr. Jim Economides, an alumnus of Baylor Dental College and Baylor’s Orthodontic
program passed away on December 8, 2014 at the age of 79 after a lengthy illness.
He is survived by his wife, Renée, daughter Cheryl Armstrong and husband Rob
and eight grandchildren: Jack Mullaney, Jamie (and fiancé Josh Kopchick), Sean,
Jessica, Josiah, Keri, Cheri and Danae Armstrong.
Jim graduated from Highland High School in Albuquerque, NM and subsequently
attended and graduated from the University of New Mexico. Following graduation at
UNM, Jim served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a helicopter pilot during the Laotian
conflict. He left the Marine Corps in 1960 and taught school for a few years in Albu-
querque before being encouraged by a couple of dentist handball buddies to attend
dental college. After graduating from Baylor Dental College, he entered Baylor’s
orthodontic program and later developed a successful practice in Albuquerque.
Before he graduated he became a UNM Lobo legend and one of the greatest baseball
players the school ever had. He was named a Western United Sates All-American
in 1957. His athletic exploits didn’t end on the diamond. He was a four-time world
champion handball player, and a 17-time national champion, including one as
recently as 2010. He was deservedly elected into the UNM Athletic Hall of Honor
in 2011.
Jim was one of the first orthodontists to understand the importance information
technology would have in orthodontics, and he began to develop software programs
that allowed him to diagnose, treatment plan and monitor patients’ progress early
in his career. He had a preternatural interest in orthodontics and never diminished
in his quest to provide patients with the best care possible. Jim was a member of
the New Mexico Dental Society, the American Dental Association, the American
Association of Orthodontists and the Texas Orthodontic Study Club. He had an
intense fidelity to his profession, and his enthusiasm and engagement was a model
of professional commitment.
Jim was esteemed by his professional colleagues, loved by his family, cherished by his
friends and greatly appreciated by patients who benefitted from his extraordinary
skills.