John Satterfield Fordtran

Dr. John Satterfield Fordtran, a devoted family man, award winning doctor and researcher, and true Texas cowboy, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at his beloved farm on February 23, 2025 at the age of 93.

Born November 15, 1931 in San Antonio, Texas, John was the middle child of William Moore and Josephine Bell Fordtran. Together with his sisters, Josephine “Dodie” Fordtran Bain and Agnes “Aggie” Fordtran Kendrick, John was raised on a dairy farm in Stockdale, Texas, where early in life he developed an appreciation for hard work, a lesson that would shape his future both in medicine and on the land he cherished.

John’s high school years were spent as a boarding student at Texas Military Institute in San Antonio, and summers were spent at Camp Rio Vista in Ingram, Texas. Upon high school graduation, his father gave him three career choices: doctor, lawyer, or engineer. With a heart for helping others, John chose to study biology at The University of Texas at Austin. That is where he met the love of his life, Jewel Ruth Evans. They were married on July 25, 1953 and built a life filled with love and unending devotion. Together, John and Jewel raised four wonderful children, and later welcomed five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

After college, John and Jewel moved to New Orleans where John attended medical school at Tulane University. After residency training in internal medicine at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, John joined the US Public Health Service, spending a short period at the National Institutes of Health before being called to the Navajo Indian Hospital in Fort Defiance, Arizona for 16 months. This experience deepened John’s dedication to patient care. He then completed a two-year fellowship in Gastroenterology in Boston before joining the faculty at UT Southwestern Medical School in Dallas in 1962. He remained there until 1979, when he moved to Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, eventually serving as Chief of Internal Medicine. This was a role he cherished as it allowed him to continue groundbreaking research while mentoring the next generation of physicians. He also served as President of the Baylor Research Institute. To his great delight, he was even awarded an “honorary registered nurse” certificate, a title he treasured. John remained at Baylor Scott & White in various roles until he retired in 2023 at the age of 91.

John dedicated his career to medical research, helping countless patients and leaving an indelible mark on the field worldwide. Despite his many professional achievements, he never sought recognition. His accolades are too numerous to mention, but many stood out. John was the founding co-editor of the textbook Gastrointestinal Disease, now in its 10th edition. He received the distinguished Achievement Award from the American Gastroenterological Association, served as President of the American Society for Clinical Investigation, earned The King Faisal International Prize in Medicine (Saudi Arabia), was elected to The Fellowship in the Royal College of Physicians (London, England), received an Honorary Degree from the Karl Franzens University (Graz, Austria), received the Dallas Historical Society Award for Excellence in Community Service in Health and Science, and countless more.

Beyond the lab and hospital, John, who was lovingly called Johnny by his family, found his greatest peace on horseback, checking on his cows, and entertaining family and friends at his beloved farm near Tioga, Texas. If he wasn’t in the saddle or at the lab, in earlier years you could find him on the tennis court, proving he was just as much an ace with a racket as he was in the medical field. A man of simple pleasures, he never turned down a cold Dr Pepper or a sleeve of peanut butter crackers or Hershey Kisses. These small indulgences brought him joy throughout his life, along with his Ford pick-up trucks!

One of Johnny’s greatest delights in life was attending the annual Fordtran Family Reunion. Over 100 descendants of his parents, affectionately known as Gonny and Poppy, gathered each summer to share memories and stories. He never missed the highlight of the event, the family talent show performed by the younger generations, which was a tradition that filled his heart with pride and laughter.

John was a devoted husband, a loving father, and an adoring grandfather and great-grandfather. His generosity knew no bounds, whether in the kindness he extended to friends and colleagues or the unwavering support he gave his family. To those who knew him, he was more than a brilliant doctor. He was a mentor, a storyteller, a man of integrity, and a rock of quiet strength and humility. He lived an extraordinary life, one marked not just by professional excellence, but by kindness and an unshakable love for those around him.

John is survived by his wife of more than 71 years, Jewel; four children and their spouses: William “Bill” Fordtran (Micki), Bess Stone (Bryan), Josephine “Joey” Wolf (Mark), and Amy Garrison (Rick); five grandchildren and their spouses: Emily Stone Wheeler (Patrick), Sarah Stone Teten (William), Andrew Stone, Richard “Trey” Garrison (Brooke), and William “Will” Garrison; and six great-grandchildren: Willa, Luke, and Sarita Wheeler, and Catherine “Kiki”, John, and Bessie Teten.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to Terri Honeywell for providing John with great comfort, exceptional care and loving friendship. The family also sincerely thanks Rolando Andeverde for his diligent care of John’s farm and livestock for many years. Both Terri and Rolando’s devoted support enabled John to spend his final years at the farm he so loved.

It’s nearly impossible to sum up such an extraordinary life in a few words, but John’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the knowledge he shared, and the family he cherished above all else. His was a life well lived, full of purpose, hard work, and boundless love. John will be deeply missed, but forever remembered.

A Memorial Service and reception will be held on Monday, March 10, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Sparkman-Hillcrest Chapel. A private family service and burial will take place in Devine, Texas in the near future.

Donations can be made by check to Fordtran Internal Medicine Education Fund #53937or online through the BSW Foundation or to the charity of your choice.