James Stephen Oliver

James Stephen Oliver, 86, of Valdosta, died suddenly at his home on Sunday November 3, 2013. Son of the late George Hollis Oliver, Sr., and Sara Oliver, James was born in Valdosta on January 12, 1927. He played football for the Wildcats, was an Honor Graduate and Salutatorian of Valdosta High School class of 1944. In May of 1945, at the end of World War II, James joined the Navy. He attended Clemson and graduated from the University of Georgia in 1949. While at UGA he studied Business Management and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, where he made lifelong friendships. James returned to Valdosta and joined his father in the family business, Southern Stationery, where he worked for 55 years. He was a Past President of the Valdosta Wildcat Touchdown Club and Past Exalted Ruler of the Elks Club. James was an intense, year round Georgia Bulldogs football fan. He was a member of Park Avenue United Methodist Church and he loved the camellias that he grew in his yard.

Survivors are his son and daughter in law, George Hollis Oliver, III and Donna Oliver of Valdosta; daughter, Jean Oliver of Lake Park; grandson and his spouse, David and Jessica Jeffords, granddaughter, Sara Jeffords all of Macon and granddaughter, Alden York Scollin of Valdosta; two great grandchildren and several cousins. James was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Oliver, daughter, Beth Jeffords, and a brother, George Hollis Oliver, Jr., who was killed in World War II.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 6, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home. Reverend Hale Bishop will officiate. Burial will follow at Sunset Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 5 – 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Hospice of South Georgia. Condolences may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home



Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602