November 21, 1948 - October 7, 2018
It was wholly a pleasure to know James Michael Storey, Master of Arkansas-Democrat-Gazette columnist Otus the Head Cat and a fine person in his own right. Michael pixilated peacefully from this world Oct. 7, while napping in his good old squeaky armchair, with his TV remote at hand and a football game he didn't care about whispering nearby.
It had been a weekend of overwhelming cuteness intercut with tragic bouts of teething. Son Ben and dear Caroline Boisvert-Storey were visiting from Afar with little Clémentine and baby Aífé (say it like eBay, only with an F). Michael doted on the babies all weekend but then got a little tired and begged off a visit to the cousins'. When we came home, he was gone.
While his father was in law school, the only son of Jim and Norma Storey was conceived in Fayetteville on a site that would soon become tennis courts. Fortunately, the parents moved to Little Rock before he was born. Alas, his earliest memory occurred in Fort Hood, Texas. Oh, the shame. But Uncle Sam soon let Jim take his family home to Arkansas.
After the usual number of years of dogged schooling, Michael went east to college - to Southwestern at Memphis (Rhodes College). There he met his first wife, Gayle, who was smitten by the earnest, guitar-strumming Tolkien nerd. He left college with a bachelor's degree in English, a firm grasp of Civil War history and a wife who liked cats.
Michael had not been around cats.
Like his father before him in 1942-45, Owner answered the call in 1970, in those bewildering middle days of Vietnam, when a young man's patriotism increased in inverse proportion to his draft number. His was 12.
He enlisted in the Air Force. He spent eight months as a photo-lab technician at Nhakon Phanom, printing clandestine photos of Laos and Cambodia. He neither unpacked his M-16 nor had to dive into the spider-infested bunker behind the hooch. He came home to a parentally orchestrated, spontaneous neighborhood welcome and finished out his two years as a photographer at McCord AFB. He made staff sergeant before taking the GI Bill to Fayetteville for grad school.
In the UA Creative Writing program, either Jim Whitehead or Miller Williams personally advised Michael to forget writing and go drive a truck.
He joined the Arkansas Democrat as a copy editor in July 1977, working a wee-hours shift that justified his lifelong love of napping. The first wife lost patience at the end of 1978, leaving him with cats. Otus, Frodo, Gizmo and Grendel the Border Collie became his confidantes.
On Feb. 25, 1979, the first mention of Otus appeared on the Democrat Voices page. Written by a charmingly lonely man, the essay described a Sphinx-like black-and-white enigma whose mother was a seal-point Siamese and whose father a ne'er-do-well who vanished with the dew.
Michael quickly ran out of ways to write about his broken heart and, anyway, he was being courted on the rebound by a co-worker, Celia Loyall; and Otus magically grew the ability to dictate essays.
By the next year, ''Otus the Head Cat'' was a fixture on the weekly Omnibust op-ed page, which devolved into a bizarre gathering of Otus imitators. People wrote to the newspaper masquerading as cats. While he was distracted by this unexpected burst of fame, Celia pounced. They married on a rainy day in March, and son Ben came along 12 months later. Nothing of greater consequence happened after that, although a lot happened.
Velcro fields blossomed. Michael spoke with Wally Hall about writing - several times - while editing his columns for Sports. Humidity pods came and went; killer fire ants marched north from Mexico. Hundreds of baby Spams were clubbed in the brutal annual slaughter. Michael was appointed associate editor for graphics and design. Piranha invaded the Felsenthal wildlife refuge, and a giant snake arose in Lake Willastein. Michael realized his son had become a writer, too. White-tail deer began organizing against hunters. Michael conquered the Pikes Peak Half Marathon, the last official finisher - the guy behind him died. An Otus coloring book became briefly available; also, a giant cat mascot took photo ops with Bill Clinton. Governor Huckabee canceled daylight-saving time, declaring it a stench in the nostrils of God.
The paper made Michael TV columnist, then Paper Trails columnist, followed by a truly terrible year as co-columnists with Celia. But the marriage survived, evolving into best professional friendship, and finally all was set right with the world when Michael ejected Celia from his TV column. He had the annual trek to Hollywood for TCA all to himself again.
In 1998, Dr. Stephen Tilley saved Michael's life by spotting an opportunity for quintuple bypass surgery. Dr. Tilley urged Michael to hike, and so Happy Trails became a newspaper column. A book of the same title followed, available for $15.95 at finer bookshops everywhere.
Besides the aforementioned broken hearts, Michael is mourned by baby sisters Kathy Mainard (Gail) and Penny Storey (Kevin O'Donnell) as well as their children, Marie Mainard-O'Connell (James), Gail Edward Mainard (Laura), Jamie Mainard, Torey Bruegger (Landon) and Mike Toenies (Beth) and ever-proliferating cousins, nephews, nieces, grands…. If your line descends from the peripatetic Davy Crockett, you might be related to Otus the Head Cat.
Until next time, Kalaka reminds you the burial will be private at Mount Holly Cemetery, so stay away. But anyone is welcome to attend a no less prestigious memorial service at 6 p.m. Thursday at Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 JFK Blvd. in North Little Rock. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens
In lieu of flowers that the cats would eat and gak up, a gift to any truly worthy cause makes sense. But he would suggest a subscription to your statewide daily newspaper, for which he proudly labored through near-dawn penumbra for 41 years.
Most of this is not humorous fabrication.
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38 Condolence(s)
Randa Darby
Sunday, October 14, 2018
I just learned of Michael's passing. (We have been out of town.) I am so shocked and saddened to learn this tragic news. Our sincerest condolences to you and yours. He will be sorely missed.
Nancy Baxter
Friday, October 12, 2018
Condolences to Celia and the family, and the kitties too. Sorry I could not attend the service. Michael will be sorely missed by so many. We were lucky to have had him! Love to you all. (Wonderful, wonderful obituary.)
Robert and Barbara Middleton
Thursday, October 11, 2018
Dear Celia and Family,
Please know that our thoughts are with you, and we send our deepest heartfelt sympathy to you.
Sincerely,
Barbara and Rob Middleton
Janet Browne
Thursday, October 11, 2018
Dear Celia,
Sending my thoughts and sincere condolences to you and your family. We, who took great pleasure in Michael’s talent and humor, will certainly miss him.
Janet Browne
Yvan Boisvert, Celine Fortin and Family
Thursday, October 11, 2018
Celia and Ben,
It's with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Michael.
We had a few Exchange in the past with Facebook and I met him once before and he seemed like a very very nice person.
It's strange now to speak about a person in the past tense but I want to express my condolences for your loss.
He seemed like someone who really love what he was doing with his life.
Yvan , Celine and family
Michelle Posey
Thursday, October 11, 2018
Celia,
I am so sorry for your loss. Michael once told me the story of surprising you in Manitou Springs at the end of Pike's Peak Marathon. His love and pride came across so clearly in that story. He was such a sweet man and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Michelle Posey
Bonnie and Don Brandsgaard
Thursday, October 11, 2018
Dear Celia and family,
We are so very sorry for your loss.
Bonnie and Don Brandsgaard
Bryan Stover
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
Sincere condolences to family and friends over the loss of JM Storey.
The outpourings of the last few days have shown how much he was loved by those who knew him and appreciated by we who met him primarily through his work. He was a good egg... and made the world a better place for having been here.
Rest in peace, sir.
Jimmy and Dianne Barfield
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
To the Family: What a treasure we all have lost in the passing
of Michael. We both always read all of his articles which gave
us something to talk about and brought much amusement and
joy to our days. He will be greatly missed. Hope Otus is waiting
for him in Heaven. What a pair that will be!!!!
Meredith Oakley
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
No truer words are spoken than when it is said that J. Michael was a good, kind, caring human being. His wry sense of humor, whether punctuated by the warm twinkle in his eyes in person or wending through the written wisdom according to Otus, was his hallmark, and although there is sadness for me in his passing, I cannot think of him for long without smiling. The many memories warm my heart, and I know their own memories will be a comfort to Celia and Ben and everyone else who loved him.
Bill Coffelt
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
Celia and family, you are in my prayers. You and Michael did so much for the APPMS. I’m still not sure how he made it up that mountain but he did! God Bless!
Piper Groves
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
Celia,
I'm so sorry to hear about Michael. You and your family are in my prayers.
Piper
Jerry Dean
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
Saddened to learn of a fine news colleague's having written the Final 30 to a journalist's life and writing career. Mike proved he -- and Otus -- possessed the sense of humor and enviable Staying Power required to survive the epic newspaper war while staying in one place to write and edit. It was a feat I could not master, even after years I'd spent in several editorial capacities at the old Democrat. I admired his perseverance and loyalty when, after a dozen years working across Main Street, I was invited back in 1992 to a Democrat-Gazette transformed at Capitol & Scott. Grateful now for the privilege of having known talented Mike among dozens of capable, talented and dedicated Arkansas journalists. Mike and his columns will be greatly missed by his friends and readers.
Mary E ODonovan
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
My heart goes out to Celia and all the family. Worked with Celia and Michael at the old Arkansas Democrat and enjoyed their wit and good humor. I know he will be missed by many. -- Former Beth Smith.
Glenda Brazzel
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
Celia: I'm sure you wrote Michael's obituary and it was a wonderful, thorough tribute. He may have even had some input himself. Kyle Brazzel and I especially all loved yours and Michael's work for the paper and I'm so glad I have a signed copy of his book -- I use it all the time for hiking. Love to you and all of the family from the Brazzel family.
Leslie Sims Jones
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
My thoughts and prayers to Celia and all of the family. Mike and I were in the same homeroom in High School and he always made me smile. He will always be a wonderful memory of High School.
He will be missed.
Pete Ireland
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
Dear Celia,
I never had the chance to really know Michael personally, but always enjoyed his writing, particularly Otus. He will be greatly missed by his many fans but much more so by you as well as your family. I’m so sorry for your loss. My heartfelt condolences. Take good care.
Paula Ivy-Doyle
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
As a child visiting our grandparents I was in love with "Mike". Then I found out you cannot be "in love" with your cousin. So I just loved him. He was one of the good guys. My thoughts and prayers are with all his family. Love you all. Cousin Paula
Maureen Smith
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
Dear Celia, I remember you from Mount Saint Mary’s I got l
to work on the high school paper in my freshman year with you.
I was so delighted that you were married to Michael Storey.
My husband and I loved reading his columns and recommen-
dations for new shows to watch. We seemed to love the same shows. One day I sent Michael an email I shared how much he meant to us and how many times he made us laugh.
My prayers are with you and your family. Even though my husband moved us to Kentucky and then Texas, he always read
The Arkansas paper everyday. I am sure he read Micheal’s article
that morning on his last day on earth. He died suddenly April 17th. I know it will be so weird not hearing Michael’s voice, or laughing at something that only you both would laugh at. He was such a big part of your life, he was your person, the one you turned to, talked to, depended on. He was the one who would always be there for you. It is hard to see your life without him, but know he is with you and his life is reflected in you.
May you find comfort from the years you shared together.
Carolyn Larousse
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
Along with so many others, may I add my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, colleagues and multitude of fans of Michael Storey. So many times he gave us that proverbial ray of sunshine so desperately needed in this world. Godspeed, Michael, with our affection and gratitude. You will be tremendously missed. It was wholly, completely our pleasure.
Lisa
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
Am so sad. Enjoyed so much the columns and will miss him so much.
Lou Ann Kirby
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
Celia and Family, my deepest prayers are with you and yours.
I had several classes with Mike at Hall through the years we were there. His humor was wonderfully intact and growing even then. He always found the silliest ... dearest things to write in my yearbook, as he did for all of his classmates.
sincere condolences and love,
Lou Ann
Jerry McLeod
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
To put in in TV parlance:
I'm so glad we had this time together
Just to have a laugh, or sing a song.
Seems we just got started
and before you know it
Comes the time we have
to say, 'So long.'
Goodbye, sweet man
Bill Jones
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
Depest condolences—I greatly admired Michael as a man who so clearly loved and found joy in his family. May that enduring love sustain you all.
Barbara Pumphrey
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
Sorry for your loss. It was my mom who first told me of the TV guy's column. Enjoyed finding first hand what was about to be aired and what bit the dust. Don't know how he was so able to do this, but enjoyed the column. He will be missed.
Sherry M Kivo
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
I have read Michaels Otus the cat. And also his reviews on TV shows. I enjoyed him very much. He and I liked the same kind of TV.He also made me laugh a lot. He was a good man.I am sorry for your loss & I will miss Michaels humour. I am sorry for all of his family. R.I.P Michael Storey. I considered him a friend although we had never met. I just loved his sense of Humor. God bless you.Thank-You for letting me say all of this. Sherry Kivo
Amelia Walters
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
What an amazingly creative obituary of an equally amazing man! I worshiped Owner and Otis from afar.
Bonnie Nickol
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
Dear Celia,
How will the world get it’s laughs going forward? I can only hope that you can morph into Otus or his clone.
In the meantime, my thoughts & prayers to all of you. My wishes for your happy memories to sustain you during this difficult time.
With hugs and communal love.
Rod Lorenzen
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
Celia and family,
It was my good fortune to know Michael for many decades. He certainly enriched my life through his weekly columns and I always appreciated having a chance to visit with him when I was in the book business and he stopped in. May he rest in peace.
Sincere condolences,
Rod Lorenzen & family
Carole Adornetto
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
Just a few days ago, Michael had me laughing at his cat's "nose licking" antics. He has always been one of my favorite people. It's surreal that he is gone, so suddenly, so young.
I met Michael many moons ago, as our separate careers brought us together often. It was not long before we learned to quickly push aside whatever professional business we had so we could have a little time just as friends. It took me awhile to know his understated, multilayered wit, his humor always had a message if you wanted to find it.
Fair, funny, and kind - three words that described him best for me...... I loved Michael the man, admired Michael the citizen, respected Michael the writer, and loved Michael the family man. Celia, Ben, his granddaughters were the center of his life. His purpose. He was a happy man. He has a piece of my heart, always.
Pamela Williams
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
I was shocked and saddened to read this morning in the Arkansas Gazette this about Michael's passing. I was such a fan of his. I absolutely adored his sense of humor and will miss that and the man who created such wonderful columns. Please accept my condolences.
Cynda Bellamy
Monday, October 8, 2018
Celia and family,
As the daughter of the late Connie Elkins, I offer my sincere condolences. While I didn't know y'all very well personally, I heard about y'all often from Mom, who dearly loved and respected you both. Michael's death comes as such a shock. I'm sure the family is dealing with the surreal numbness such an untimely demise must entail. Know that Michael will always be remembered fondly, both as my mother's friend and colleague, and for the personal enjoyment I had in reading Otis the Head Cat.
Audrey Burtrum-Stanley
Monday, October 8, 2018
Michael - not Michael Storey, not yet...
Such a darl'n fellow, he was my friend - just shy of 4 decades. I was proud when he described me in a column as: 'a maven.' (I did an eye-roll!) He was part of many Arkansas lives when daily, we perused his words. The absence of his informative pieces, interviews, humor plus his grinning face, will long be felt. However, in death, we shall be neighbors. (We own Mt. Holly real estate too.) I bet Michael will be like Lincoln's spirit strolling his community at midnight. A restless guy, he could ponder the past and wonder about the future with all who repose nearby. No doubt, he would have a bevy of buddies in the netherworld, just as he did in life - and again, everyone would be smile'n to see him wafting their way. And so I whine loudly as I write, it's too soon to add a lil' halo above his head, like was done for Michael Storey's feline friend.
Jack and Marcia Schnedler
Monday, October 8, 2018
Memories of shared love live on.
Kathy Freeman
Monday, October 8, 2018
Celia, my heart goes out to you and yours. Michael was a true pleasure to be around. He will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and if there is anything you need or just want to talk please don’t hesitate to called. I love you always.
Kathy Freeman
Carla Koen
Monday, October 8, 2018
Oh Michael - we hardly knew ye. Oh wait. No. We really knew you. Your love of sharing your thoughts let so many people into your life. What a gift. Thank you for being a light in an often- dark world. Thank you for humidity pods and Otus and for the hundreds of bottles of hotel shampoo and lotion you bestowed on the copy desk from your trips. You won’t be forgotten.
Sandy Miller Hays
Monday, October 8, 2018
Dear Celia, Ben and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Michael will be deeply missed by so many people—he touched many, many lives, and we all have wonderful memories of him. Again, my deepest condolences to you and your family.
Emily Sneddon
Monday, October 8, 2018
Celia and family,
My deepest condolences. I have many fond memories of you and Michael. Decades ago, I told Michael during a newsroom chat that my parents had a tiny new kitten and they were having trouble coming up with a suitable name. He thought for a second and then said, "Nit Noy," which meant "little bit" in Vietnamese. They loved it, and that was the cat's name thereafter.
I hope that you and your family have peace and comfort in the days ahead.