Jim Goodman

Jim Goodman, a cherished member of his community, passed away on March 5, 2025, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, at the age of 74. Born on August 9, 1950, in Fairfield, Illinois, to Erma Jean (Mench) Goodman and James Albert Goodman, Sr., Jim lived a life enriched with passion and devotion to his family and interests.

Jim's journey through life led him to Sallisaw, Oklahoma, where he built a loving home with his wife, Sandy (Chaney) Goodman, whom he married on August 7, 1969, in Phoenix, Arizona. Together, they celebrated a marriage filled with love and companionship, surrounded by their children and grandchildren, who were the pride of his life.

From a young age, Jim was known to be a jack of all trades. He dedicated his work in various fields, notably as a racehorse trainer and managed multiple sanitation companies including Waste Management and Altes Sanitation. Regardless of his profession, he approached every task with enthusiasm and commitment. Jim had a profound love for sports, spending joyful hours attending ball games, where he could proudly cheer on his grandchildren. His passion extended to horse sales, and he always found comfort and companionship with his beloved dogs.

Jim is survived by his wife, Sandy Goodman; his daughter, Jimsie Looper and Scott of Sallisaw, OK; his son, Randy Goodman and DeAnn Peace also of Sallisaw, OK; and eight grandchildren, whose names reflect the legacy of love he created: Ashley Graham and Destry of Sallisaw, OK, Bailey Covington and Trevor Howard of Sallisaw, OK, Calley Covington of Sallisaw, OK, Ashley Allen and Wayne of Moore, OK, Taylor Goodman of Sallisaw, OK, Jolie Goodman of Sallisaw, OK, Alexis Holt of Little Rock, AR, and Garret Holt of Sallisaw, OK. Additionally, he leaves behind four great-grandchildren, Adessa Graham, Whitley Graham, Weston Ogdon, and Gracie Looper.

Jim is also remembered by his sister, Darla McLeroy of Fort Worth, TX, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends who were fortunate to know him and share in his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Erma and James; his two sisters, Linda Bulow and Sandra J. Goodman; and one brother, Charles Newton.

The funeral service for Jim Goodman will take place at 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Agent Mallory Martin Chapel in Sallisaw, Oklahoma, with burial following at Akins Cemetery, under the direction of Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Service, Inc. The family invites those who knew him to join in celebrating his life and to share in the memories crafted throughout his 74 years. Viewing will be available from 10 AM to 8 PM on Friday, March 7, 2025, at Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Home in Sallisaw, OK, where the family will greet guests from 6 PM to 8 PM.

Active pallbearers will include Scott Looper, Destry Graham, Trevor Howard, Garret Holt, Carl Elkins, and Roy Chaney. Honorary pallbearer will be Dwight Dicus.

Jim Goodman will be deeply missed, but his spirit will certainly remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.