James Olvey

James “Jim” William Olvey, age 97, a resident of Redkey, entered through Heaven’s gate on Sept. 24, 2023.

Jim was born on June 5, 1926, in Ridgeville, Indiana, the son of Cecil and Marie (Kohler) Olvey. Jim graduated from Redkey High School in 1944, where he enjoyed playing basketball for the Redkey Wolves. 

Jim married Donna Maxwell on July 19, 1947. They lived in Michigan where he was employed with General Motors. Shortly after, they moved back to Redkey when he was transferred to the Muncie Chevrolet plant. He worked as a quality control analyst and auditor for Detroit Diesel Allison, retiring after 41 years.

Jim was a member of the Redkey American Legion, Lions Club, Masonic Lodge and Kiwanis Club, and was president of the Jay County Sheriff’s Department Merit Board for many years. Jim loved watching “Family Feud,” westerns, war movies and cheering on the Indianapolis Colts. 

Jim also delivered flowers for his daughter’s business, Reni’s Heaven Scent. He enjoyed working with his buddy Esther and loved their coffee breaks. He took great pride in his lawn. When he was unable to mow, his adopted son, Donnie Friddle got the job done. His adopted daughter Perlita Friddle made sure he was fed and fed well. The one he called granddaughter, Rene Snow always brought him strawberries. 

Jim took great pride in serving in the United States Army Air Corps, serving from 1944 to 1947. He earned the rank of corporal and served during World War II in the Aleutian Islands. 

Jim was a great husband, dad, grandpa and provider. He taught us to respect others, work hard, give to those in need, pray for our country and trust God. 

He leaves to cherish his memory:

His wife of 76 years — Donna Olvey, Redkey, Indiana 

Daughter — Reni Lawhead (husband: Kevin), Redkey, Indiana

Sisters — Ruth Ann Petzold, Kay Pickett and Linda Kester

Sister-in-law — Clara Young (husband: Bill) 

Cousin — Peggy Dotson (husband: Dave)

Two grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren

Several nieces and nephews

He was preceded in death by his daughter Debbie Olvey; his parents Cecil and Marie Olvey; sisters Regina Wilcox, Nilah Berry, Hazel Oyer and Lucretia Smith; and one brother, Merrill Olvey. 

Private visitation and services will be held on Friday at Williamson-Spencer and Penrod Funeral Home in Portland. Graveside services will be held on Friday at 2 p.m. at Hillcrest Cemetery, south of Redkey. 

Condolences may be expressed at williamsonspencer.com.