of Conway, AR
December 23, 1941 - June 30, 2015
Dr. John Jude (Jack) O'Reilly, 73, of Conway, went to be with Our Lord on Tuesday morning June 30, 2015 after a battle with amyloid disease of the heart. Born December 23, 1941 in Pontiac, Michigan, the only Son of Catherine Ann Lyons and John Lawrence O'Reilly.
Jack is survived by the love of his life, Peggy Sue O'Reilly, 5 adoring children: Holly (daughter) and Jim Davis of Cave Creek, Arizona, Patrick O'Reilly, Sean O'Reilly, Erin Albert (daughter) and Ken all of Phoenix, Arizona, John Michael (son) and Kari O'Reilly of Ellicot City, Maryland and 3 wonderful step-children Jason (stepson) and Amy Squires of Conway, Arkansas, Jerod (stepson) and Casey Squires, Lindsey (step daughter) and Kevin Collins all of Wonderview, Arkansas,
And the proud grandfather of 21 grandchildren: Jillian, Chase, Marshall, and Bryn Davis; Mikey and Katie O'Reilly; Ryan and Gage O'Reilly; Ethan, Lawson, Tyler, Brianna, and Aryanna; Sara, Jacob, Caleb, and Reagan Squires; Abigail Bentley, Corey, Ayden and Benjamin Collins.
Jack grew up in Pontiac Michigan where he graduated from St. Frederick High School. He lettered in basketball, baseball, and college basketball at St. Joseph College in Indiana. He received his BSE and MSE in English and Coaching at Central Michigan University. He acquired his Doctoral degree from Arizona State University. Jack taught English and coached basketball for 10 years. During this time he led the boys' basketball teams through numerous regional and state victories. After his successful coaching career, Jack became a vice principal, principal, athletic director, superintendent, and college professor for 18 years in the Arkansas River Valley area until his retirement. Jack dedicated 40 years of his life to a professional career in education. During this time he wrote numerous safe school, literacy, and technology grants. Jack was instrumental in the development of one of the state's first distance learning centers for school instruction (sharing teaching staff among schools via technology). Upon retirement, Jack became an esteemed published author realizing his earliest dreams of writing and storytelling. His first book, Stray Cat People, was published in 2010. Jack dedicated this book to his mother and father.
Jack and Peggy are members of St. Joseph's Church in Conway, Arkansas. He loved attending Men of Faith and being involved in the Missions Committee Ministry, where he was devoted to helping people in need. He served as Eucharistic minister to the hospitalized and shut-ins, dedicated weekly time to the Adoration hour, and served as a Sunday collection counter.
In his spare time, Jack cooked elaborate monthly meals for the residents of the Bethlehem House and volunteered at City of Hope Outreach, both located in Conway, AR.
Jack will be deeply missed by his family, a host of friends and colleagues. We welcome flowers and/or donations to St. Joseph's Church Missions Ministry.
Jack was my second cousin. The last time I saw him and his first daughter Holly was when I was about 10, around 1960. I fondly remember his mother, my mom's (Rosemary's) sister, and his father John.
We would enjoy the company of his and my grandmother, Catherine Lyons, every summer, when she would come from Michigan to Chicago with tins of candy for each of the three Mahoney children. Grandma Catherine would make chocolate pie and sugar encrusted fried pie dough (rollie pollies) for us kids most every Friday.
I often wondered what happened to my cousin Jack, and now I know. I'm sorry I couldn't find him all the intervening years to say hello and catch up.
I'm the only Mahoney left. My sister and brother both passed, but there are 6 kids and 3 grandkids by them.
Dear Peggy and family,
Jack was much loved cousin and he was always a delight when he visited us. I very fondly remember the spur of the moment trip when he brought you to Santa Fe during the Christmas holidays and subjected you to the trials and joys of an O'Reilly family Christmas. You were a huge hit, good sport, welcome member of the tribe and Jack was so very proud of you. I enjoyed each visit with you whether in N.M. or AR. He was the master of hospitality and convinced us he was always so glad to see us.
I'll always remember his infectious laugh, genuine and contagious. He will be deeply missed and is much loved.
God Bless all of you as you face life's challenges without his quick wit and easy charm.
Much love,
Margaret
Lost a friend and classmate. Went to St.Fred"s with Jack. And he was in on a few of our antics. ha ha Yes, fond memories of a very good guy. And lots of stories to go along with them. He will be missed. But I know where we can find him when our time comes. No doubts. I can sure see how his children favor him.
were so sorry for your loss,Family your in our prayers,we love you both very much,What a tremendious loss,My heart goes out to you,I'll never forget how nice and conciderate he was,
your loved deeply. God Bless
paula
On behalf of the Army's 780TH MI BDE Wolfpack, we offer our condolences on your loss. You are in our thoughts as you celebrate John's life and the memories that you shared. May peace and comfort find you during this difficult time.
Wonderful leader and an awesome man. Deepest sympathy to family. I signed my first contract under his leadership and he was always such a great leader!!
To the family of Jack O' Reilly,
We will miss Jack at the fitness center, We enjoyed his cheerful greetings when he checked in. He was always so kind and had something nice to say to everyone. So sorry for your loss.
Such a wonderful and accomplished man. I thought a lot of him and respected his devotion to education. He was a friend to everyone he met and always treated everyone with the utmost respect. RIP Dr. O'Reilly and warm thoughts for his family.
Wonderful man very kind. I loved working for him. If every school administrator was like him-education would be a lot better. Prayers and deepest condolences
Dr Jack O'Reilly was always such a kind person. Always made kids feel welcome at school. Prayers for strength and comfort for family during this time
Our prayers and thoughts are with the family. It was my pleasure to have known Jack. He will truly be missed.
A great man has left us; but what an awesome touch he had in many lives. He was truly an original who will be missed by many.
Peggy and family,
We are all so saddened to learn of Jack's passing. He was an extrodinary leader and tremendous friend to many. The entire Fourche Valley community is mourning his loss. He did so very much for our little school and many of us as individuals. He taught me a great deal about leadership and education as well as being a good parent, husband and employee. He will be greatly missed by so many.
God bless,
Clark Smith and family
The past six months of my life, the last six of his, have been very special. I want to thank you for allowing me to be a part of the special transition from this life to the eternal one. Jack will be greatly missed, no doubt. But his memory--for me-- will forever be attached to the Lord's Prayer. I will think of him and smile every time I pray it, remembering how he took my hand and prayed it with me at our visits. I love the friendship we've built to pave the way for our eternal friendship "in the garden." My life is better for knowing him. I will always love him as my all-time "favorite" patient. God bless you all.
A grateful Nurse.
Mrs O'Reilly-
My prayers are with you. Jack was a special man who brightened any room as soon as he stepped in. It was such a previlage to know him. Love you much!
So sorry to hear of Jack's passing. It was such a pleasure getting to know him through attendance at daily mass. I also read and found his book "Stray Cat People" very entertaining.
You and your family are in my prayers.
Peggy:
I am so sorry to hear of Jack's passing. I know how much you loved him. You & your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you comfort & peace.
Love You,
Margaret
My family and I would like to offer our deepest sympathies to you and your family.we are so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are never alone. (PSALMS 34:18) turn to the Holy Scriptures for guidance and to help soothe your heart.
So sorry for your loss. May the words spoken at John 5:28,29 be of comfort to your family at this time.