Jim Hollander

Jim Christian Hollander, age 80, died on Thursday, March 15, 2018, following an extended illness. He was born on November 10, 1937, in Harrisburg, Arkansas. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, John Allen and Nora Bowers Hollander, and his brother, John Rogers Hollander. Jim graduated from Harrisburg Arkansas High School in 1954. During high school, he worked in the rice and cotton fields and was active in the Baptist Church. An outstanding football player, he received a football scholarship to the University of Arkansas. Jim was an Arkansas Football Razorback letterman, playing tackle. From this experience, he made close lifelong friends. Jim earned his Bachelors of Science in Education from the University of Arkansas in 1959. He went on to graduate from Texas Medical Center in Houston, Texas, and then attended Hermann Hospital School of Physical Therapy to obtain his Physical Therapy Degree. Jim served his internship at Henry Clay Children's Hospital in New Orleans, Louisiana. Following his graduation, he became the Chief Physical Therapist at St. Vincent Infirmary in Little Rock, Arkansas and went on to become the Chief Physical Therapist for the Arkansas Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. During this time, Jim was a member of the United States Army. In 1974, Jim moved to Springfield, Missouri, where he established Ozarks Physical Therapy Associates, the first private physical therapy practice in Springfield, Missouri. He eventually opened clinics in Waynesville, Branson, Marshfield, and Rogersville. Jim served on the boards of both the Arkansas and Missouri Chapters of the American Physical Therapy Association. A priority in Jim's life was his work. He was always dedicated to the rehabilitation and welfare of his patients. Jim is a past member of the Sertoma Club, the Rotary Club, the Greene County Shrine: Gate of the Temple Lodge, the Easter Seal Foundation, and the Founders Club at Missouri State University. Jim had a lifelong passion for the Arkansas Razorbacks. He was a member of the "A" Club, the Razorback Foundation, and contributed to the Broyles Matthews Scholarship Fund. He was a member of Christ Episcopal Church. Jim was an avid Arkansas Razorback fan, attending every home game. He also enjoyed following the Dallas Cowboys, hunting with friends, and traveling. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia; nieces Karen Wuchterl and husband Dean, and Suzette Kimbell and husband Neal; nephew John Hollander and wife Kathy; and their children. Other family members include Jerry Wayne Mooty and wife Samantha; John Cooper and wife Mary; and Allison Moralas and husband Chepe; and their children. The family would like to extend appreciation to the staff at the Manor at Elfindale, Compassus Hospice, and his very special private caregivers. A memorial service and interment of ashes for Jim will be held on Thursday, March 22, at 11 AM at Christ Episcopal Church, 601 E. Walnut, Springfield, MO, 65806. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Christ Episcopal Church Foundation, 601 E. Walnut, Springfield, MO, 65806, or the Alzheimer Foundation, 3645 South Ave, Springfield, MO, 65807.