Colonel Jacques "J. O." Partain

Colonel J.O. Partain, Jr., US Army, (Ret.) 96, veteran of World War II and former Chairman of the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on November 28, 2014. He was born in New Orleans, LA, (because, as he was fond of saying, he wanted to be close to his mother), on February 21, 1918. Surviving are his son and two daughters: Superior Court Judge Jack Partain (Pam) of Dalton, Mary Jill Allen (Jim) of Smyrna, and Elsye Jan Winchester (Greg) of Milton. Col. Partain was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Mary Roberts Partain, an infant daughter, Marianne, his parents, J.O. and Elsie Partain, and three sisters. Col. Partain attended North Fulton High School, Oglethorpe University, and Emory University where he was a brother of Kappa Alpha Order. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in January 1941 as the first volunteer from Buckhead. He served in the South Pacific Theater in New Guinea and the Philippines. He graduated from The Command and General Staff College and served as Chief of Staff for the 81st Army Reserve Command. Col. Partain served as President of J.O. Partain and Company, a general insurance and real estate brokerage firm. In 1967 he was appointed to the Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles where he served until his retirement in 1982. Col. Partain was a member of the Atlanta Lions Club, Reserve Officers Association, Grand Lodge of Georgia, Yaarab Temple, and he was the first President of the Atlanta Boy Choir. He was a longtime member of Westminster and Peachtree Road Presbyterian Churches. In retirement he enjoyed traveling, riding and keeping horses, and spending time with his family, including his nine grandchildren: Lucy and Andy Partain; Elizabeth Allen Greene (Mike); Dustin (fiancée Jess Smith), Mary-Elsye, Caleb (Katy), Sarah-Anne, Asa, and Rebecca-Joy Winchester; and three great-grandsons: Will Greene and twins, Adam and Luke Greene. The family is extremely grateful to his loving caregiver, Nae Nae George. The long and distinguished life of Col. Partain was celebrated by his family in a graveside service with full military honors at Westview Cemetery. Those wishing to honor Col. Partain may consider the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL, 32256, or Salvation Army, Metro Atlanta Area Command, PO Box 930188, Norcross, GA, 30003-0188.