John Jude O'Reilly

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 three wonderful step-children, Jason (stepson) and Amy Squires of Conway, Arkansas, Jerod (stepson) and Casey Squires, Lindsey (stepdaughter) 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, Ark. 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. Rosary and visitation will be 6:30 p.m. Thursday at St. Joseph Catholic Church. A Mass of Resurrection will be held 10 a.m. on Friday, July 3, 2015 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Entombment will follow at St. Joseph Mausoleum. For Online Guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.