J. O. (John Oliver) Amis, son of Robert and Sandra Amis of Conehatta, was born Sept. 14, 1975, in Union. J. O., who often refers to himself as the “baby of the family,” has two older sisters, Alisia Amis McMillan, wife of Arthur McMillan, Biloxi school superintendent, and Deirdre Amis Manning, wife of V. C. Manning, former superintendent of Neshoba County Schools. From what I have learned of Mr. Amis’s life, I don’t think he had any idea he would become the third school superintendent in the family!
J.O.’s father farmed while his mother taught for 31 years, first at Lake, then at East Central Community College. His father farmed cattle and timber, built eight broiler houses, and subsequently raised chickens for 35 years. Mr. Amis said he learned the value of hard work and entrepreneurship from his parents.
The family attended Hudson Chapel Church of God, where he spoke of his parents as being “great Christians.” He also mentioned his maternal grandmother, “a great prayer warrior,” who he always knew would be praying if he asked her to remember a need. He remembered his salvation experience as happening when he was about 14 or 15. After Pastor Ed Dickerson preached that night, J. O. said, “I just remember going up and crying and giving my life to the Lord.” His third cousin, Robby Thompson, a Farm Bureau agent, and he were “like brothers.” He says they grew up together in the Church of God.
J. O. attended kindergarten through third grade at Sebastopol, fourth through 11th grade at Lake, and 12th grade at Newton County Academy, graduating in 1994. Following J.O.’s junior year of high school, he met Coach Gary Risher who became a mentor to him. Coach Risher had retired from public education to accept the position as football coach at Newton County Academy. Through the influence of Coach Risher, J. O. attended the Academy where he played football. J. O. stated that he views this as a God-directed life change that brought about his meeting his wife Amberly Bounds from Newton.
Amberly had graduated from the Academy, and J.O. met her through mutual friends. Married in November 1998, they have two girls, Landree, 17, who will be a senior at Newton County High School this fall, and Alli Claire, 13, who will be in the eighth grade.
J. O. attended East Central for three semesters before transferring to Mississippi State University where he earned his B.S. in Ag Extension Education in 1998. His goal at that time was to be a County Agent, but those positions were being phased out. A good friend, Mickey McMillan, recommended him for a managerial position with B. C. Rogers, where he worked for a year and a half.
After a lot of praying and soul searching, he learned of a teaching position in junior high school science at Sebastopol. He took the praxis, passed, and got his teaching license. In January 2000 he started teaching and later earned his Master’s in Educational Leadership. He accepted the position of assistant high school principal at Newton County High School in 2006 and was delighted to have the opportunity to work with another mentor, Mr. Rodney Tadlock. Mr. Tadlock had been principal of Lake Middle School when J.O. was a student there.
J. O. said of his six years at NCHS, “I loved it. I know the Lord opened up that opportunity for me.”
He later ran for superintendent and was elected to that office in 2012. Mr. Amis stated that he had been truly blessed to have many friends in both the public and private school sectors.
And, he said, his voice trailing off, “If not for Amberly… I have a wonderful wife. I loved my wife when we got married. But I’m more in love with my wife today than when we got married. It’s like when we had our two kids. Daddy said, ‘It’s a love you can’t explain.’” Amberly began her teaching career at Forest Middle School then moved to a teaching position at Newton County in 2006. She has been teaching 14 years.
I asked about his goals, and he replied, “I love this school system, and the county, and I work with some wonderful people. I want it to grow and continue to be successful. The school system is Class 4A, with 1,760 students total at present. We’re graded by the Mississippi Department of Education as an A school. But I also love to farm. My future goal is to be able to retire from education and raise cows and timber.”
“Chickens?” I questioned, but he said 35 years had been enough of chickens. He further told of what he enjoys in life. “I love to hunt and fish – deer, turkey, elk. “The family enjoys using his parents’ hunting cabin in the mountains in Colorado.
He says of his life, from changing to Newton County Academy in the 12th grade, to his job at the poultry plant, to his positions in education, “Every time the Lord has worked things out. Growing up, I didn’t think Mama and Daddy were making good decisions. But now, I’m so thankful for the sheltered life. Mom and Dad made some tough decisions when I was in high school. Going to the Academy was the best decision for me at the time.”
He continued, “You make decisions of what’s best for you and your family.” He advises parents, “Talk to your kids. Explain how to make right decisions.”
The Amis family are now active members at Clarke-Venable Baptist Church. Whether at the Church of God or the Baptist Church, we agreed, while discussing all the changes and situations of life, it is true that, “All things work together for good, to those who love God and are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
You may contact me at lagnesrussell@ gmail.com or 601-635-3282.
