Johney James Olles Sr.

John James Olles Sr. “Johnny-O” age 85, of New Dixie, Arkansas, passed away peacefully of natural causes in his home, Sunday, December 18, 2022. He was born September 23, 1937, at home in Bigelow, Arkansas to Paulk H. Olles and Rose “Siefker” Olles of New Dixie. John attended school in the two-room schoolhouse at St. Boniface and later in Bigelow, then enlisted in the Arkansas National Guard. Briefly attended Morrilton School of Agriculture, worked at Cantrell Gardens of Little Rock, and retired from AmTran in Conway as field supervisor over the bus yard after thirty years. In his twilight years, John loved to grow tomatoes, always trying to grow a bigger one than the year before and riding his ATV around the home place. His favorite pastime was to watch deer in his yard from the kitchen window, which he fed faithfully every day. Family stories will pass down how John was always trying to improve or invent a “better way” of making things work around the home place. This “better way” was fondly known to his family and friends as The Johnny-O Way! John was an avid hunter throughout his life and will be remembered for his long-winded hunting stories of the big racked bucks that seemed to always elude him and the hounds, fox and coyote races that lasted all night, and many more. Other than his parents he was predeceased by his wife, Betty Sue (Hamon) Olles, daughter, Linda Parker, son, John J. (Bud) Olles, Jr., niece, Patricia (Olles) Shamblin-Stone, brothers, Paul and Peter Frank, and sisters, Rose Marie and JoAnn Mayo. He is survived by his daughter, Robin Bull of Sturgeon, MO, son, David Olles of Jacksonville, AR, sister, Agnes Gunther of Bigelow, AR, brother-in-law, James Hamon, Bigelow, AR, several grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren. A special thanks to the nieces and nephews for always dropping in to check on Uncle Johnny-O. The family wishes to thank the Hospice Home Care staff for the compassion, care, and family support given to John during his last month at home. A celebration of life will be a private service held at a later date. Johnny-O hunting memories will be welcomed and shared with family and friends that attend.

Johney James Olles Sr.

September 23, 1937 - December 18, 2022