09/18/2025
Dr. Jim Goza, 78, of Osceola, Arkansas passed away on Sunday, September 14, 2025. He was born on November 14, 1946, in Swifton, Arkansas, to the late Jadie Goza and Myrtle Winfrey Goza. Dr. Goza had a lifelong love of learning and achievement. He earned his undergraduate degree in Agriculture and held teaching credentials before pursuing his passion for science and animals at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, where he graduated from Veterinary School. In 1981, he purchased Osceola Animal Clinic, where he served the community faithfully for forty-four years until his retirement in 2023. Even after retirement, he continued to lend his knowledge and care to help families and their pets. A man of many interests, Jim loved people and never met a stranger. He enjoyed hunting in his younger years. Later, he found joy in flying and earned his pilot’s license. He treasured time at the family’s place on Greers Ferry Lake, where countless memories were made with all of his family. He enjoyed exploring and going on travel adventures with his children and later his grandchildren. Jim was deeply involved in his community. He was a proud member of the Osceola Rotary Club for forty-four years, served as an Auxiliary Officer for the Osceola Police Department, and was a member of Mt. Zion Pentecostal Church of God in Etowah, Arkansas. Above all, he loved his family. He cherished his wife, children and grandchildren, and never missed an opportunity to brag on them. His devotion to his loved ones and his community will always be remembered.
He is preceded in death by his parents, two sisters: Mildred Goza and Kay Lucy and three brothers: Jack Goza, Darrel Goza and Gene Reed.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of twenty-nine years: Janice Goza of the home, two sons: Jim Goza (Erika Schichtl) of Little Rock, Arkansas and Tim Moody (Tina) of Osceola, Arkansas, three daughters: Lori Deason (Derek) of Bartlett, Tennessee, Tracey Strop of Leachville, Arkansas and Tonia Moody of Osceola, Arkansas, nine grandchildren: Caleb, Anna, Kelsey, Troy Heith, Payton, Trey, Ethan, Destiny and Bella and one great grandchild: Addie.
A funeral service will be held Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. and visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Zion Pentecostal Church of God, 698 SCR 103, Etowah, Arkansas.
Interment will follow in Garden Point Cemetery, Etowah, Arkansas.
Brother Joe Wheeler will officiate the service.
Arrangements are under the care of Delancey Funeral Home in Lepanto, Arkansas.
