Helping Families and Friends Honor Their Loved One

John “Johnny” Wayne Ourso, age 79

John “Johnny” Wayne Ourso, 79 years old joined his heavenly father after a long battle of Parkinson’s & Alzheimer’s on February 20, 2021.

Johnny was born November 27, 1941 to Junius Anthony Ourso and Clemence Ducote Ourso in Plaquemine, Louisiana.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Fran Griffin Ourso, of Helena, Arkansas.  His daughters, Susan Swift (Bob) of Cabot Arkansas, Debbie Duell (Chris) of Pearland, Texas, step-daughter Rene Pinson (Patrick) of McKinney, Texas and 2 step-sons Joseph Blundell (Jessica) of Dardanelle, Arkansas and Michael Blundell (Mary) of Michie, Tennessee, 15 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Johnny served in the US Navy on the submarine USS John Marshall.  After the military he worked for AT&T and then IBM as a Customer Engineer for 25 years where he retired in 1996.    Johnny loved Arizona and enjoyed living in Tucson from 1987 until 2016 when he moved to Cabot to be close to family.

He was an avid train collector starting at age 7 when he received a train set from his parents.  He was one of the founders of the TCA (Train Collectors of America) and served on the board of the LCCA (Lionel Collectors Club of America) for many years.   He was charter member #33 of the LCCA which has grown to over 9000 members today.  Those who knew Johnny knew of his love for trains.

A Celebration of Johnny’s life will be held on Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 10 A.M. in the Chapel at A Natural State Funeral Service. 

Memorial donations can be sent to Parkinson’s Organization at 18122 Cantrell Road, Suite C, Little Rock, AR 72223 or Alzheimer’s Organization at 201 Markham Center Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205.

Arrangements are under the trusted direction of A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076. 501-982-3400. 

 

Please Click Below Link for Tribute Video of Johnny’s Life:

https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/S9N7LYGMX9Y5HXM7

15 Comments

  • Clayton Knupp Posted February 21, 2021 5:44 PM

    My thoughts and prayers are with family. Susan Swift and family. So sorry for your loss

    • Susan Swift Posted February 21, 2021 7:02 PM

      Thank you Clay!

  • Norma Harris Posted February 21, 2021 6:28 PM

    Thoughts and prayers are with Susan & Debbie & Fran and family at time. RIP Johnny!

  • Marcel C Desilets Posted February 21, 2021 6:31 PM

    My sincere sympathies and prayers to Family

  • Brenda Westbrook Posted February 21, 2021 7:14 PM

    I though a lot of Johnny. Especially our cruise with him and Fran. He was a lot of fun to be around. While I am sorry he is gone, I am happy that he is not in pain. God be with Susan, Robert, Fran and the rest of the family. I love you all.

  • Darrell Ourso Posted February 21, 2021 7:54 PM

    So sorry to learn of your loss. Prayers and condolence to all of you.

  • Anita Hoverstock Posted February 21, 2021 9:03 PM

    My thoughts and prayers are with you Frannie, Susie, Debbie and family. Dave and I thought the world of Johnny. I am sure Dave was waiting at the pearly gates with model trains in his hands welcoming Johnny. Heaven has added a very special person God be with you all

  • Linda Smoke Posted February 21, 2021 9:57 PM

    Johnny was a great friend and will be missed.

  • Russ Taylor Posted February 22, 2021 2:49 AM

    So very sad for the family

  • Buddy Kocis Posted February 22, 2021 8:41 AM

    Franny so sorry for your loss, I always enjoyed my conversations with Johnny, especially about his love for trains and the U of A icecats
    Buddy & Carol

  • Karen Palmer Posted February 22, 2021 9:40 AM

    We were so sorry to hear of Johnny’s passing, but know he is with his Heavenly Father.
    Karen and Ann Palmer

  • Debra Hodgerson Posted February 22, 2021 10:12 AM

    Johnny loved riding the train of life. Him and dad were close, close friends and now they ride the train for life together. Our prayers, love and fond memories are forever cherished with us.

  • Terri Hoverstock Posted February 22, 2021 3:59 PM

    Johnny lived his trains..I remember giving Johnny some crab chips and he thought they were the best thing ever..I remember him holding them up and showing me with a big smile..Johnny welcomed me when we first met..Sending you comforting prayers in this sorrowful timr

  • Rodney Arent Posted February 22, 2021 6:38 PM

    Fran- I am so sorry. Johnny was a fun and unique guy, a real one-of-a-kind person. He was generous and proud of his Cajun attachment, and will not be forgotten by anyone who met him.

  • Adrienne Kelley Posted February 23, 2021 11:47 AM

    Fran- I am am so sorry for your loss.

    I have so many wonderful memories of Johnny as a kid tagging alongside my dad (Ken Kelley).

    From his home train layout to the club, Cumbres and Toltec and Durango and Silverton, Elbow room and the French Quarter where I first had crawfish. The spice was never hot enough,

    Johnny was such a fun person to be around. Sending so much love to you and your family.

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