Dr. Jack Curtis

Jack Curtis, M.D., passed away peacefully at home with family on Sunday, January 7, 2024. Dr. Curtis was born in Washington, Tennessee on March 19, 1944 to Louise and J.L. Curtis. He was raised in Johnson City, TN.

Dr. Curtis received his M.D. in 1967 from the University of Tennessee and achieved his general surgery residency at Duke University and Vanderbilt University. In between his residency, Dr. Curtis proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1970-72 in Vietnam. Prior to joining the University of Missouri in 1978, he completed cardiothoracic residency and fellowship at the Mayo Clinic.

Dr. Curtis enjoyed an esteemed career in the field of Cardiothoracic Surgery and made significant contributions at the University of Missouri and across the country. In 1989, he led the first-ever heart transplant at MU Health Care and in the mid-Missouri area. Over his 25-plus year tenure at MU, Dr. Curtis spearheaded a robust cardiac surgery and transplant program, performing 111 cardiac transplantations and was published in numerous medical journals.

In 1979, he married Joyce Curtis and they went on to have their son, Adam Curtis (Michael Moran) and together raised Joyce’s son Peter Kays (Robin Kays), and her daughters, Kim Kays Motz (Cary Motz) and Katherine Kays Nicholas (Scott Nicholas) and their children. In 2012, he married his loving wife Van Beasley Curtis who grew the family with her three daughters, Liza (Sherwin), Tanya, Kim, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren whom Jack cherished. His large family gave Jack immense joy.

Dr. Curtis was a man of great faith and service, spending the later part of his life donating his time and knowledge helping many philanthropies and missions in Africa and Guatemala. Jack and Van founded The Foundation for the Higher Good which operates medical clinics and ministries supporting hunger and housing in Guatemala. Jack and Van were highly involved in church and Community Bible Study.

A visitation for Jack will be held Monday, January 22, 2024 from 10 AM to 12 PM at Christian Fellowship Church in Columbia. Funeral service immediately at 12 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials be made in Jack Curtis’ name to Love Columbia.