James R Pocklington III, DDS

Dr. James Richard Pocklington III, DDS, 87, of Fort Gratiot, died Monday, June 2, 2025.

He was born March 3, 1938 in Mt. Clemens to the late Virginia and James Pocklington II. He married Suzanne G. Mott on June 17, 1972 in Sarnia, Ontario.

Dr. Pocklington was a dentist in Port Huron from 1965-1994 and pioneered treatment of migraine head and neck pain, curing chronic pain for many around the world. He was a graduate of Algonac High School, University of Florida and the University of Michigan Dental School where he also consulted. He was past president of the Thumb District Dental Society, and a member of the American Dental Association, Black River Country Club (3 hole-in-ones), Port Huron Golf Club (1 hole-in-one) and Port Huron Elks Lodge 343. He was an avid golfer, woodworker, cook, fisherman, dog lover, die-hard U of M fan and world traveler. In his younger years he would race home-built fast boats on his beloved St. Clair River. He was also a skilled water ski ramp jumper at home on the river and performed in the Busch Garden Florida pyramid formations. After a stroke in 1994, many admire his strength and determination for 31 years to rehabilitate himself and regain strength.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Suzanne; four children, Patrick (Esequiel) Pocklington, Sara (Mark) Spivey, James (Kathleen) Pocklington IV and Jenny (Boyd) Grove; six grandchildren, Claxton and Kate Spivey, Andrew and Ainsley Pocklington and Jack and Elizabeth Grove; two brothers, Robert “Joe” (Rhondia) Pocklington and Jeff (Sandra) Pocklington; three sisters-in-law, Marlene Mott, Kay Mott and Bonnie Mott; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. on Friday, June 13, 2025 in Pollock-Randall Funeral Home.

A memorial service will be held at 12 noon on Saturday, June 14, 2025 in Pollock-Randall Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 11 a.m. Shaun Laurain will officiate. Buckeyes are welcome.

Inurnment will be in Lakeside Cemetery Columbarium.

Memorial contributions may be made to Leader Dogs for the Blind, Blue Water Hospice or Marwood Nursing and Rehab. To send condolences, visit pollockrandall.com