Olson Jiles Obituary

Olson B. (Jack) Jiles, born January 18, 1921 in Cleburne, TX, passed away recently in Houston, TX. A veteran of WWII, Jack resided in El Paso, TX, for more than 60 years, where he worked in various fields of endeavor, including the plumbing, construction, and sales industries; he eventually retired from the American Furniture Company. Jack will long be remembered as a charming and affable prankster who loved to tease and tell tall tales, and for his true gift of never having met a stranger. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Syble Jiles Longbotham and Ernest Lynn Jiles. Jack is survived by his wife, Sharon Jiles of Houston, TX, his children, Paula DuVander of Hieldsburg, CA, Cherie Dietrich Azad and her husband, Dr. Paul S. Azad, of Houston, TX, and Renee Dietrich Lemke and her husband, Matthew Lemke, of Austin, TX, and one grandchild, Yasmin Kaur Miles Azad (Mina) of Houston, TX. Jack is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Ernest Lynn (Larry) Jiles of San Jacinto, CA, Marilyn Corley of Albuquerque, NM, Patricia Richardson of Albuquerque, NM, Shirley McLaughlin of El Paso, TX, and Raymond Longbotham of Memphis, TN, and numerous nieces and nephews. A remembrance celebration will be held on April 12, 2008, from 2:00 to 6:00. For further information, please send inquiries to [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Memorial Fund of First Christian Church, 901 Arizona Avenue, El Paso, Texas 79902. Services were entrusted to Geo. H. Lewis & Sons of Houston, TX.

Published by El Paso Times from Mar. 26 to Mar. 28, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Olson Jiles

9 Entries

Lynne (Jiles) Fischer

April 6, 2008

Jack was my father's, (Larry Jiles') brother.
When I was young, Uncle Jack came to visit us often and in thinking of those visits now - if I close my eyes I can still see him about to crack up as he struggled to keep from laughing at the way he could always suck me & my sister into his stories. I can still hear him too, when he just couldn't take it any longer and would let go - his laugh sounded like he had a great secret. Like my Father, Jack told "stories" (as though they were all fiction), but I know they weren't all fiction and were woven with truth from his life.
I think my Uncle Jack was a life- artist, and was a master at his art. He stood up for right and joy in the world.
My heart is with you Aunt Sharon, Renee and Cherie -
he will be so missed by everyone lucky enough to be able to say, they knew Jack. You know who they are - they are the ones who can't talk about him without smiling. We love you.

Susie Burford

April 2, 2008

Renee,Cherie and Sharon,

My deepest sympothy, Jack was like a uncle to me, and have the memory of him playing pranks on Renee and myself at their house in El Paso. He gave many surprises and we laughed often.

May God be with you all during this time.

Susie Burford and Family

larry jiles

March 30, 2008

This is a brief background of Jack"s service to his country. Jack entered the CMTC(Civilian MilitaryTraining Corps) when he was 17 during the great depression.At 18 he transferred to the regular army (cavalry).Jack was a member of a trick riding team called the Rough Riders. They performed at both Military and civilian functions all over the U.S. untill December 7,1941. At that time Jack was transferred to the 45th. division which was the Oklahoma National Guard as the army was try to mix experienced soldiers with the less experienced guard troops. Jack continued to serve with this group untill the end of the war in Europe. He landed with the 45th division in North Africa fighting across that area before embarking and invading Sicilly. After conquering Sicily the division was tasked to invade Italy at Anzio in a battle that was to become known worldwide as "The Anzio Beachhead". His division was pinned down on just a few hundred yards of beachead foreveral weeks in which time they suffered many casulaties and Jack himself was wounded recieving the Bronze Star and the purple heart. Later it was revealed that the action at Anzio was intended to be a sacrifice of the 45th. division in order to hold the Germans attention while other American troops landed elsewhere to start the move to Rome.The 45th. fought thier way out of the trap and proceeded on to Rome via the well known battle of Monte Casino. During thier move through Italy the 45th. was joined bythe Texas 36th division in which Jacks two cousins were serving. He was able to make contact with them briefly. A few nights later during a heated fire fight he was told that his cousin ,Marshall,a medic had been wounded and was in "no mans land" between the two opposing forces. Jack crawled out into the fire zone without orders to try to help his cousin. He was able to locate Marshalls body but it was too late for any help.After the Italian campaign ,the 45th.moved on into Europe by way of France and Belgium. While in France Jack and Pete Palmer were cut off from thier unit during a battle and were rescued by French underground fighters .They spent two weeks with the underground blowing up bridges and sniping German soldiers at night and hiding out in French villages in the day time before they were finally reunited with thier own troops. Jacks unit, Hdq. Co,180th Inf.45th division held the record of the longest time in continous combat without relief during WWII.

larry jiles

March 28, 2008

My brother Jack was truly a unique person and larger than life figure to my daughters and grandchildren. His exploits from pre-WWII through the great war and after are legend with them. He is missed already

Marti Vallee & Family

March 28, 2008

Dear Sharon,

Please accept my sympathies to you and your family. You, my dear friend, are always in my thoughts and prayers, and most especially during this difficult time!

Sincerely,

Kellie Rupard-Schorr

March 28, 2008

Jack was someone who always had a kind word, and usually a joke, for me. He loved his family and God in a unique and wonderful way. I know he will be truly missed, and yet will remain in my memories of church forever.

Charlene Chaney

March 27, 2008

Sharon & Family, Please accept my deepest sympathies. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Mike Casey

March 26, 2008

Mr. Jiles,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country when you served during WW II and for being a member of the Greatest Generation. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

Rosie Garcia (Madrid)

March 26, 2008

I am so sorry to hear about Jack. I had the privilege of working with him at American Furn. Clearance Ctr. Please know that you are in my prayers.

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