James Slater "Jim" Colgan was born on November 27, 1939, in Hutchinson Kansas to Howard Colgan, Sr. and Viola Collins Colgan McGee. He passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026.He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved daughter Julie Ann Colgan, and his brother Howard William Colgan, Jr.
Jim graduated from Duncan High School in Duncan, Oklahoma, where he met the love of his life, Linda Pat (Driver). After marrying in 1960, they settled in Tulsa and spent over sixty-five years together, united by faith, loyalty, laughter, and shared goals.
Jim began his career working as a delivery and stockroom clerk at State Federal Savings & Loan. Through determination and night classes, he earned both his business degree and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Tulsa. His leadership propelled him to become President and Director of State Federal, before he accepted the presidency of what became Oak Tree Savings Bank, the largest statewide savings bank in Louisiana.
After leaving Oak Tree Savings Bank, Jim became director of the Tulsa office for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, where he was named National Field Office Director of the Year for his work in Oklahoma City following the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building.
Jim's career was matched only by his civic devotion. In Tulsa and beyond, he served on countless boards and committees: the City of Tulsa's first Audit Committee, Tulsa Habitat for Humanity (as Chair of the Board), the Oklahoma Bar Association (a proud 50-year member), Up With Trees, the Oklahoma Savings League, and many more. He also held roles on the State Advisory Group for Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Downtown Housing Fund, and the Economic Development Commission, among others.
Jim was deeply involved in his churches over the years, serving as a lay leader, trustee, and chairman of finance committees. In his later years, he was a devoted member of Asbury Church, where his faith continued to shape his life and relationships.
Among hobbies, Jim enjoyed spending time at the lake on weekends, first with his family and the lake crew, and later with his brother and grandchildren. Golfing with friends and family was also a source of happiness.
He is survived by his wife and true partner, Linda Pat; his sons, Brent Colgan, (fiancee Karen Jarvis), and Keith Colgan, (Laura); granddaughters, Devin Long, (Jackson), and Bria Talbot, (Michael) and Lindsay Colgan; great grandchildren, Aubrey and Levi Long, and Cora and Capri Talbot.
Jim leaves behind a legacy of laughter, leadership, service, and devotion to family. His life stands as a testament to perseverance, integrity, and his faith. A celebration of life service will be held at 10:00am on March 7, 2026 at Asbury Church. In lieu of flowers, kindly donate to Eden Village of Tulsa or Asbury Church.