James Dee Robert Goodner

James Dee Robert Goodner (Bob) of Norman was born in Oklahoma City on July 27, 1941, to Gwen and Lynn Goodner. He was given the gift of eternal life at the age of 80 on August 9, 2021.

Bob is survived by his wife of 54 years, Martha; two daughters, Melanie Miller and son Matthew; Kimberly Williams and daughters Kaela and Emily; son Robert and wife Ashlye, daughter Audrey, and son Robert Orion. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Gayle Goodner Breard, mother-in-law Dixie Knight and son-in-law Sean Miller.

Bob grew up in Oklahoma City and had a wonderful childhood with his two loving parents and younger sister. He graduated from Old Classen in 1959 where he was an active member of the band program and even formed a jazz band outside of school with his friends. He received a full scholarship to OCU where he played the trumpet and graduated with a BA in music education in 1963. He then started his teaching career, served in the Army National Guard Band, and received his master’s degree in 1969 from OU.

He married Martha Knight Goodner on Dec. 23, 1966. They met on a blind date, fell in love, and married that same year. From the beginning, they were blessed with an abundance of happiness, joy, and kindness. They raised their 3 children in Midwest City where the family attended St. Matthew United Methodist Church for many years. Church activities played a central role in the Goodner family life, including volunteering, family camps, and mission trips. Bob and Martha also served together as choir director and organist. Their servant hearts and commitment to sharing God’s love later led them to share their home with their foster child, Elizabeth, for ten years.

Bob’s teaching career spanned 39 years in the Mid-Del and Choctaw school districts, where he spread his love and passion for music and won many awards and competitions. His last nine years were at Del City where his jazz bands won 1st place at OSSAA State Contests for an outstanding 5 consecutive years. A strong commitment to music professional organizations spanned his entire career. He was a charter member of OBA and was also a member of MENC, OMEA, and TBA. In January 2000 he was presented outstanding director at the OMEA convention by The International Association of Jazz Educators.

After retirement, Bob & Martha moved to Norman, OK. They cared for both their mothers when they could no longer care for themselves. Bob was able to continue playing his trumpet and enjoyed playing many gigs with The Okie Dokie Banjo Band, Talk of the Town, and Flying High Band. He also worked at Jenkins Music Store with his close friends. He loved volunteering with his granddaughter's band and local schools, hosting clinics, and also continued to judge band contests throughout the years.

Bob was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He was a wonderful musician and a master teacher. He loved to golf, fish, and attend family gatherings. He was known to be a master repairman with his specialty in silver duct tape, sometimes to the embarrassment of his family, while having an entire backyard fence taped up. Others described Bob as hard working, nice to everyone he met, laid back, patient, and also stubborn. His greatest joy was being involved with his children and grandchildren. He loved watching them excel in music, dance, and education. There was never a band concert, recital, football game, or a dance competition that he would miss. There was nothing he wasn’t willing to do for them.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the doctors, nurses, and staff at The Stephenson Cancer Center, Norman Regional Healthplex, and Angelic Family Hospice for their amazing care, kindness, and compassion. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center or The Alzheimer's Association.

Because of Bob’s kindness and consideration for others’ health, happiness, and well being, our family requests memorial service attendees to wear masks and practice social distancing. If unable to wear a mask, join the live stream at: Stmatthew.org/sermons
We also invite you to honor Bob in your own ways by doing things he loved to do...spend time with your family and friends, listen to jazz music, play a musical instrument, go fishing, eat Hideaway pizza, or go to a football game for the halftime show.