Dr. James Tucker Good Jr.'s Obituary
James Tucker Good Jr.
June 25, 1946 – April 24, 2026
James Tucker Good Jr., lovingly known as Jim, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2026 in Tulsa, OK surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with metastatic prostate cancer. He was 79 years old.
Jim was born on June 25, 1946, in St. Louis, Missouri, to James Tucker Good Sr. and Margaret “Peggy” Good. He was the oldest of 5. From an early age, he carried a natural optimism and energy that would define the rest of his life.
He attended the University of Kansas, where he met the love of his life, Janice Whelan Good—affectionately known as “Wheels.” During his time at KU, Jim served as President of Sigma Chi his senior year, forming lifelong friendships and beginning a legacy of leadership and connection that would follow him throughout his life. He continued on to the University of Kansas School of Medicine, graduating Alpha Omega Alpha, and completed his internal medicine residency there where he was Chief his final year.
In 1976, Jim and Jan moved to Denver, Colorado, where he completed his fellowship at CU in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine. He remained on staff 5 years before transitioning into private practice with South Denver Pulmonary. In the final decade of his distinguished career, Jim practiced at National Jewish Health, where he continued his passion for caring for complex pulmonary patients and contributed greatly to asthma research. He was eventually inducted into the Colorado Pulmonary Hall of Fame, wearing his signature bow tie.
Jim lived every day to the fullest. He had an unmatched ability to see the best in others—often before they could see it in themselves—and he made everyone feel known and valued. Jim’s generosity knew no bounds—he gave freely of his time, wisdom, and resources, always putting others before himself and finding quiet joy in lifting those around him. His warmth, humor, and the signature nicknames he gave to those he loved created deep, lasting friendships. His presence brought both energy and calm, leaving a lasting ripple effect on all who knew him.
An avid outdoorsman, Jim embraced life with enthusiasm and adventure. He completed 24 marathons, including running the Boston Marathon twice, climbed 25 of Colorado’s 14ers, and spent countless days hiking, camping, skiing, fly fishing in 49 states, road biking, and playing tennis. If it was outdoors, Jim was there. Even in his later years, while facing illness, he could be found cheering on his grandchildren from the sidelines—oxygen tank nearby—shouting his trademark “Yeah Baby!” with pride and joy.
Jim and Jan shared a deep curiosity about the world and a love of experiencing it side by side, turning travel into one of the great joys of their life together. Whether sailing aboard a SeaDream cruise, wandering the timeless streets and countryside of Italy, savoring the rolling vineyards of Napa Valley, exploring the beauty of Jackson Hole and Yellowstone, or taking in the wide-open landscapes of Montana, they embraced each destination with enthusiasm, humor, and an openness that drew people to them wherever they went. They delighted in simple pleasures too—leaf peeping in Maine at the height of fall and riding the train from Ontario to the West Coast.
Above all else, Jim’s greatest love was his family. He is survived by his devoted wife, Jan Good; his son, Mat Good(“Snick”), daughter-in-law, Bethany Good(“B”); and his beloved grandchildren, Campbell, Sydney, and Jack Good as well as his brothers Steve and Tom. He is also survived by his “adopted” son, Marshall Bell, daughter-in-law Katie Bell, and their children, Clara, Charlie, and Calvin Bell, as well as Terry and Jan Bell. Preceding family members include his parents, sister Mary Good and brother Mike Good.
Jim’s life was one of purpose, passion, and deep connection. He was a true believer in Jesus and relished his time with his Bible study group. His optimism, kindness, and zest for life will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know him. There is no doubt he’s got a Coors Light in one hand, a fly rod in the other while listening to Bob Seger in Heaven with a huge smile on his face.
There will be two Celebrations of Life. Tulsa, OK at Cedar Ridge Country Club on June 6th, 2026 2-4pm and Denver, CO details to come.
Jim was deeply committed to education. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to support financial aid at Holland Hall School. Donations may be mailed to 5666 E 81st St, Tulsa, OK 74137 or made online at
http://www.hollandhall.org/give. Please indicate “In memory of James Good” on the check memo line or, for online gifts, select “Holland Hall Fund for Financial Aid” and include his name in the designation.
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