James Clarke Mayoza, M.D., a retired orthopedic surgeon, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2025 at the age of 89. Known for his exceptional skill and compassionate care for his patients, Dr. Mayoza devoted over 50 years restoring mobility and hope to countless patients, leaving an indelible mark on the field of orthopedics. He operated on his patients at both St. John's Hospital and St. Francis Hospital throughout his career.

Born in Memphis, Tennessee and raised in Cockrum, Mississippi, Dr. Mayoza moved his young family to Tulsa in the mid-1960s and pursued his medical career with dedication, later specializing in spinal surgery where his expertise and tireless attention to his patients and the recovery process earned him respect among colleagues and gratitude from those he served. His commitment to excellence was evident in every facet of his practice - from his precise surgical techniques to his willingness to mentor young physicians.

Throughout his career, Dr. Mayoza balanced the technical demands of medicine with empathy, often going above and beyond to ensure that each patient felt valued and understood.

Highlights of the academic and professional achievements of Dr. Mayoza, include Eagle Scout - Order of Arrow, Washington & Lee, University of Mississippi, B.A., University of Mississippi, Doctor of Medicine. He was Board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery; He was a captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps and was a member of the Society of Sports Medicine. He spent much of his career volunteering his time at the sporting events of Central High School, Hale High School, and Broken Arrow High School. He served as a clinical Associate Professor at the University of Oklahoma.

Dr. Mayoza is survived by his wife, Jenny K. Neel Mayoza and children: daughter, Kimberly Ayres, granddaughter, Lindsay and three great grandchildren, daughter, Catherine Norman, husband, Blair Norman and grandchildren, Savannah and Jackson, daughter, Cameron Raleigh, husband, Chuck Raleigh and grandchildren, Megan, Rebecca and Jonathan, and two great grandchildren, son, James Clarke Mayoza, Jr. and son, Jonathan Robert Mayoza, wife, Lisa Mayoza and grandson, Evren, stepson, James H. Neel, M.D., wife, Ashleigh Neel, grandchildren, Ahni, Asher, Emme and Jacob, stepson, J. David Neel, M.D., wife, Gwendolyn K. Neel, M.D. and grandchildren, Hudson, Ellie and Piper.

The family is very grateful for the wonderful care provided by Your Family Caregivers and Miller Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Oklahoma Dementia Care Network at ouhealth.com or Lab Rescue of OK, Inc., website labrescue.net