March 2024
M T W T F S S
« Aug    
 123
45678910
11121314151617
18192021222324
25262728293031

Archives

Categories

James A. “Jim” Oliver, Jr. Obituary

Father of Saigon Kid Suellen (Oliver) Campbell

James A. Oliver, Jr.

Commander James "Jim" A. Oliver, Jr.

Commander James “Jim” A. Oliver, Jr., United States Navy, retired, 94, of Beaumont, died Monday, October 31, 2011, at The Village at Gleannlock Farms in Spring. Born July 9, 1917, in Orange, to Fannie Beatrice Newport Oliver and James Alexander Oliver, Sr., he had been a Beaumont resident since 1966.

Even as a young man, Mr. Oliver accomplished great things. He was an Eagle Scout and later a Silver Beaver Award winner. He attended the United States Naval Academy, where he graduated and received his commission into the United States Navy in 1941. After an illustrious military career, which included service in three wars, Commander Oliver retired in 1967.

Following his retirement, he began a new career in education. He taught at Forest Park High School and was assistant principal at Hebert High School. After retiring in 1982, he continued to volunteer in French and Math, in elementary schools.

Throughout his life, Mr. Oliver was involved in his community. He served on the Board of the Seafarer Center at the Port of Beaumont, the Executive Board of Three Rivers Council B.S.A., Board of Directors for the retired officers association, the Administrative Board of Trinity United Methodist Church, and arbitrator for the Better Business Bureau. He was a Master Mason in the Masonic Lodge of Arlington, Virginia.

Survivors include his children, Suellen Campbell and her husband, Charles of Houston, David Oliver of Beaumont, Betsy Jane Freeman of Katy, and Meigan Ashy of Beaumont; six grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and sisters, Nelle Mang and Betty Gaustad.

His funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 4, 2011, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3430 Harrison Avenue, Beaumont, under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.

A gathering of his family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, November 3, 2011, at Broussard’s.

His graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, November 7, 2011, at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston.

Memorial contributions may be made to Boy Scouts of America, Three Rivers Council, 4650 Cardinal Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77705.

Complete and updated information may be found at: broussards1889.com.

Condolences may be left in the online Guest Book by Clicking Here

Or, you are welcome to express your condolences in the Comments section below.

Not mentioned in the Obituary:

He served his country with distinction and honor for 32 years in the U.S. Navy, and as U.S. Naval Attache to Viet Nam, Laos and Cambodia from 1958-60.

3 comments to James A. “Jim” Oliver, Jr. Obituary

  • Suellen Oliver Campbell

    Thank you for sharing Dad’s obituary with the Saigon Kids folks. Dad was a great man, who will be missed by many. Thanks to Dad our family had the unique experience of 2 years in Viet Nam, which changed our lives forever.

  • brooks toland kasson

    my condolences, sullen, on the loss of your father.
    i noted that your dad was the naval attaché in saigon 58-60. we came in 1960. dad was the air attaché. i wonder if their terms overlapped at the end/beginning. i’ve printed the obit and will take it to my 90-year-old dad next week. dad, butler toland, is a mason, too.
    again, i am so sorry for your loss. my thoughts are with you and your family.
    brooks toland kasson
    austin, tx

  • Mike Parker

    Sorry to hear about yur Dad Sue Ellen. My condolences and prayers are with you.

    Mike

Leave a Reply

You can use these HTML tags

<a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <s> <strike> <strong>

  

  

  

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.