John Carl Sacra M.D.

1944 - 2025

John Carl Sacra, M.D.

February 8, 1944 - May 30, 2025

John Carl Sacra was a loving son and brother, devoted husband, proud father and stepfather, cherished grandfather, loyal friend, accomplished physician, and a visionary leader in emergency medicine and trauma system development. He passed away on May 30 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on February 8, 1944, in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, to H.E. and Julia Sacra, John was the second child and only son. From an early age, he distinguished himself both academically and athletically, emerging as a natural leader.

Affectionately known as "Johnny" in his hometown, he graduated as valedictorian of the Pauls Valley High School Class of 1962. An Eagle Scout and captain of the football team, he also earned All-State honors in track for three consecutive years on a state championship-winning team. He accepted an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point, but was medically discharged after two years.

John returned to Oklahoma for undergraduate work at the University of Oklahoma and went on to graduate from the OU College of Medicine. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the Medical College of Georgia and became board certified in both Internal Medicine and Emergency Medicine. Early in his career, he was recognized for his leadership in the field of Emergency Medicine. He served as Medical Director of the Trauma Emergency Center at Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa for 18 years, following similar roles in Augusta, Georgia, and at St. John Medical Center in Tulsa. Later, he served as full-time Medical Director for the Medical Control Board for 11 years, overseeing pre-hospital care for nearly two million Oklahomans.

A passionate advocate for trauma system development, Dr. Sacra played a pivotal role in designing Oklahoma's trauma care system, ensuring timely access to lifesaving care across the state. His work led to the allocation of millions in state funding to support physicians and hospitals providing care to uninsured trauma patients.

Dr. Sacra's expertise was sought beyond Oklahoma as well. He served on the Governor's Trauma System Task Force and consulted on trauma and EMS system development in Pennsylvania, Florida, Oregon, New Mexico, Mississippi, and Alaska.

A leader on both state and national stages, he held numerous offices in the American College of Emergency Physicians and the American Trauma Society, becoming the first emergency physician to serve as the latter's president. He chaired the Trauma Committee for ACEP twice and served on the National Faculty of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. His contributions included academic publications, textbook chapters, and committee service that shaped national policy.

His excellence earned him national recognition. He was appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation to the National Emergency Medical Services Advisory Council, where his insights guided EMS systems across the country. The American College of Emergency Physicians also honored him for his lasting contributions to the field.

Dr. Sacra was instrumental in founding the Emergency Medicine Residency Program at the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa, where he served as Chair. This program continues to train physicians who serve emergency departments throughout the state. A library at OU Tulsa bears his name in tribute to his legacy.

Beyond his professional impact, Dr. Sacra was deeply respected by colleagues and admired by the teams he championed. His friendshipsespecially with high school and West Point classmateswere a source of joy throughout his life.

John and his wife Jeannie, his best friend and partner for over 28 years, shared a deep bond and enjoyed both quiet moments and travel adventures together. He deeply loved his sonsJeff, Ryan, and Damon Sacratheir spouses Shelley and Katie, as well as his stepchildren Jennifer and Jonathan McPhail, and Jonathan's wife Lindsay. He delighted in time with his five grandchildrenHenry, Stella, Kai, Alice, and Keiraon routine visits, holiday gatherings, family vacations, Disney World trips, and one especially memorable adventure to Great Wolf Lodge.

A man of faith, Dr. Sacra was a founding member of Redeemer Church in Tulsa, where he and Jeannie were active members until his health no longer permitted.

He is survived by his beloved wife Jeannie; sons Jeff (Shelley), Ryan (Katie), and Damon (Nicola); stepchildren Jennifer and Jonathan McPhail (Lindsay); grandchildren Henry, Stella, Alice, Kai, and Keira; sister Meri Roark; nephews Mark Burris, Matt Burris, and Billy Tarwater; and many other extended family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents H.E. and Julia Sacra, sister Carol Worley and niece Traci Miller.

A celebration of life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 12, at Redeemer Church, 5415 East 101st Street, Tulsa.