(1940 – 2021)
James Olen (J.O.) Conway was the fifth child born to James D. and Mary Bessie Conway in Isabella, AL. He graduated from Isabella High School, attended Jacksonville State University, and received his BS and M.Ed. from Auburn University. Later he earned an educational specialist degree from Mississippi State University.
He was a 31-year veteran of public service, having first served as an instructor of freshman welding and cotton research at Auburn University. He taught vocational agriculture at Dadeville High School. He was a Blount County Extension agent and Extension District agent for 22 north Alabama counties until his retirement in 1995.
Conway served in leadership positions on several professional, civic, governmental, and religious boards including president of the Alabama Retired State Employees Association (ARSEA).
Conway was a charter member of the Alabama Association of Extension 4-H Agents and served as the 1992 president. He received the Distinguished Service Award and the 25-Year Service Award. He served on numerous association committees including the 1989 National Association of Extension 4-H Agents Annual Conference in Mobile AL.
The Conway family enjoyed traveling. Floating in the Dead Sea, observing Germans growing white asparagus, and seeing the land being claimed from the North Sea in the Netherlands were of particular interest.
Of all Conway’s activities, he was especially thankful to be a Gideon. To hand someone a Bible touched his heart. He also greatly appreciated the opportunity to build houses during mission trips to Nicaragua.
J.O. Conway is survived by his wife of 57 years, Angelyn Frucci Conway; his sons, James King (Jay) Conway (Jennifer), and Brian Lee Conway (Amy); and grandchildren, Clay, Drew, Ben, James, Molly, and Anna Marie. An honorary daughter, Tammie Kelly Brisson and husband, John, held a special place in his heart.
In recognition of his years of service, the name James Olen (J.O.) Conway is inscribed on the dedicatory plaque of the Extension Memorial Chapel.
Chapel Plaque Inscription Number 658
