Person Record
Metadata
Name |
Oja, John |
Othernames |
John A. Oja |
Born |
22 June 1929 |
Birthplace |
Rock Springs, Wyomng |
Deceased |
1 June 2009 |
Deceased where |
Rock Springs, Wyomng |
Places of residence |
Rock Springs, Wyomng |
Father |
Arne Oja 1908-1975 |
Mother |
Doras Isabelle Jamieson Oja 1907-2000 |
Nationality |
Finnish and Scottish |
Spouse |
Patrica Jean Ralston Oja 1934-2013, m. 1958 |
Education |
Rock Springs High School class of 1947 University of Wyoming, bachelor's of art in music class of 1952 University of Utah, masters degreein music between 1962-1972 |
Occupation |
Library Grocery, owner operator Oj's Grocery and Liquor Stores, owner operator 1964-2009 Rock Springs Junior High Music Instructor from 1962-1972 |
Titles & honors |
Army, 32nd Infantry Regiment in Korea from 1953-1954 |
Relationships |
Alpha Tau Omega fraternity Cowboy Joe Club Rolling Greens Men's Association, past president Seniors Golf Association, director Elks, Member Wyoming Liquor Association, member |
Notes |
Green River Star Jun 3, 2009 John A. Oja John A. Oja, longtime Rock Springs resident, entertainer, schoolteacher and grocery storeowner, died June 1, 2009, at his home, after a courageous battle with cancer. Oja was born June 22, 1929, in Rock Springs, to Arne and Doras Oja. He attended schools in both Rock Springs and Green River and graduated from Rock Springs High School in 1947. He graduated from the University of Wyoming with a bachelor's of art in music in 1952. He was a proud member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity and Cowboy Joe Club. Oja served in the Army's 32nd Infantry Regiment in Korea from 1953-1954. Following his service he worked as a salesman in Colorado. It was there that he met and married Patrica Jean Ralston in 1958. They returned to Rock Springs in 1962, after residing for a short time in Las Vegas. He taught music at the Rock Springs Junior High from 1962-1972, earning a master's degree in music from the University of Utah during that time. A musician at heart John played piano in a myriad of bands, chorale groups, barbershop quartets and musical performances. He owned and operated Library Grocery and OJ's markets from 1964 through the present. He enjoyed golfing and was a past president of the Rolling Greens Men's Association and director of the Seniors Golf Association. He had five holes in one including one that earned him a new vehicle. He was a member of the Elks and Wyoming Liquor Association. He enjoyed fishing, snowmobiling, golfing and exploring the great outdoors of Wyoming. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Patrica; two sons, Mike and Lisa Oja of Clarkston, Mich., Mark and Janice Oja of Ogden, Utah, and one daughter Charla and Bob Silvia of Atlanta, Ga.; six grandchildren; his sister Doris and brother-in-law Andy Radman of Rock Springs; and a nephew and his family. Following cremation at Vase White Mountain Crematory, memorial services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday at the First Congregational Church, 1275 Adams Avenue in Rock Springs. Friends may call at the church one hour prior to services. The family will be receiving relatives and friends at 1934 Edgar Street in Rock Springs. The family of John Arne Oja respectfully suggests that donations in his memory be made to Cowboy's Against Cancer, 1893 Dewar Drive, Rock Springs, WY 82901 or contact margaretp@bottomlinemarketingllc.com. |
