Jean Frances Tatlock was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the daughter of John Strong Perry Tatlock, a prominent professor of medieval literature at the University of Michigan, and Marjorie Fenton Tatlock. Her upbringing within an academic environment undoubtedly shaped her intellectual curiosity and fostered a lifelong love of learning.

Tatlock's early life exposed her to progressive social and political ideas. Her family's intellectual milieu encouraged critical thinking and engagement with contemporary issues. This environment helped form her own deeply held beliefs, especially concerning social justice and economic equality.

Tatlock attended Stanford University, where she deepened her engagement with left-wing politics. She became involved with various progressive organizations and explored socialist and communist ideologies. These formative years were crucial in shaping her worldview and political commitments.

Jean Tatlock met J. Robert Oppenheimer, a brilliant physicist and professor at the University of California, Berkeley, through her political circles in San Francisco. Their relationship quickly became intense and intellectually stimulating. Their bond was complicated by their differing personalities and political views, with Tatlock maintaining her commitment to left-wing causes while Oppenheimer became increasingly involved in scientific endeavors. This relationship would prove to be significant in both their lives.

Tatlock pursued her medical studies, eventually specializing in psychiatry. She obtained her medical degree and began her residency, demonstrating a commitment to understanding the human mind and helping those struggling with mental health challenges. Her chosen profession speaks to her empathy and desire to alleviate suffering.

Tatlock and Oppenheimer continued their tumultuous relationship. Despite his marriage to Kitty Puening in 1940, Oppenheimer maintained contact with Tatlock. Their relationship, marked by intellectual connection and emotional complexity, continued to be a source of both joy and anguish for both of them.

Oppenheimer met with Tatlock one last time in San Francisco. This meeting, shrouded in mystery, later became a subject of intense scrutiny during Oppenheimer's security clearance hearings. The brevity and ambiguous nature of their encounter fueled speculation about Tatlock's potential influence on Oppenheimer's loyalty.

Jean Tatlock was found dead in her San Francisco apartment. The official cause of death was suicide by drowning. However, the circumstances surrounding her death have been subject to considerable speculation and debate, with some suggesting foul play due to her involvement with left-wing politics and her relationship with Oppenheimer. Her death remains a controversial and tragic event.