John Henry Oehms

John Henry Oehms "Shorty" passed away peacefully on April 9, 2026, with family at his side. Johnny was born in Biloxi, MS on October 20, 1956. He was raised on “the Point” and called Biloxi home his entire life. Johnny was never happier than when he was on the water. He grew up shrimping with his Daddy from an early age. His love for fishing was deep, and he shared that love with his wife Mona and his sons John, Dane, and Jared and with his grandsons. He was so very proud to have been named Junior Champion in the Kiwanis Fishing Rodeo in 1968. The award was for the fisherman entering the most total weight. He also had a long-time love of baseball and softball and played on many winning teams. He was very proud to be on the district Little League Championship team that went to regionals in 1963.

Johnny was a 1974 graduate of Biloxi High school. and he first met his wife Mona in junior high school when they were in the chess club together. He also learned the craft of making nets from his Daddy and worked many years doing that. On weekends he could be found on his boat with friends and family, often venturing to Horn or Ship Island. Never did he miss an opportunity to boat down the rivers or out to the islands and was never shy to take a weekend to camp and enjoy life, the views, and good company. He spent years quietly planting pine trees on Ship Island and finally one grew. The lone tree on Ship Island was planted by him and affectionately known as Johnny’s tree.

Most importantly Johnny was a very kind and giving person and would be the first person pitching in for his family or friends when help was needed. He never met a stranger and enjoyed being with his friends, many that were lifelong. He loved deeply and adored his wife and best friend Mona.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, Clinton Henry Oehms Sr. and Clara Cottrell Oehms, his sister Peggy Oehms, his sister Rita McDaniel, his sister Marie Oehms Strange, and his brother Clinton “Buddy” Oehms Jr. and grandson Patrick Lawler.

He is survived by his beloved wife Mona Tucei Oehms, his children Jennifer Leigh Butler, John Henry Townsend (Crystal), Dane David ( Robin), and Jared Christopher Oehms (Jessica), his beloved grandchildren Felicity, Emery, Hailey, Wyatt, Braylen, Colsen, Hayden, Westen, Trinity, Zuri, Skilar, and Kena. His sister Clara Carriveau (Robert) and niece Sonja, his brother Glenn and nieces Windi and Kyla, and his sister Del Oehms Hamilton. He also had a beloved chosen family Yvette Lawler, Amanda Frazier (Morgan), Elaina Thompson, and Eric Seymour MD FAAP. Grandchildren Austin, Heather, Dawn, Arianna and great grandson Orion. He had countless nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family would also like to recognize and thank the MICU staff at Ocean Springs Hospital. You showed incredible grace during the entire process. Thank you.

Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue in Biloxi. Friends are invited to gather 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Biloxi City Cemetery.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of John Henry Oehms.