James “Ollis" Stracener

James “Ollis" Stracener of Oneonta passed away peacefully at the age of 86 on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home with Bro. Bob Swain offciating. Burial will follow in the adjoining gardens.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Ora Stracener; brothers, Clester and Deso Stracener; sister, Lorene LaRue; and son, Dan Stracener (Kelly). Ollis is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Ann; children, Kim Kohlenberg (Tim), David Stracener, and Michelle Patrick (Steve); grandchildren, Chad Stracener (Brooke), Chris Kohlenberg (Bailey), Chase Stracener, Katie Kim (David), Zac Stracener (Terria), Will and Sam Patrick; great grandchildren, James and Luke Stracener, Miles and Blair Kohlenberg, Jae and Vera Kim, and Carter Stracener; along with many well-loved nieces and nephews.

Ollis dedicated 40 years of his career working for Tractor & Equipment Company in various positions. His career began in 1960 in the parts department in Birmingham. He was later promoted to Service Manager in 1965 and to General Service Manager in 1969. He retired in 2000 as a Senior Vice President/General Service Manager. After retirement, Ollis opened a business restoring and repairing all-terrain vehicles as a hobby.

Ollis was a member of the Oneonta Church of Christ. He enjoyed many hobbies such as NASCAR racing, hunting, deep sea fishing, restoring old cars, and riding and restoring 4-Wheelers, but his favorite way to spend time was with his grandchildren. Ollis will always be remembered as a generous man with a witty sense of humor, but his greatest role was being a loving husband, father, and Paw.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. His grandsons, Chad Stracener, Chris Kohlenberg, Chase Stracener, Zac Stracener, Will Patrick and Sam Patrick, and his sons-in-law, Tim Kohlenberg and Steve Patrick will serve as pallbearers.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, from noon until service time at 2 p.m. at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home.