of Little Rock, AR

September 7, 1928 - February 13, 2021

John W. Niven, (92) of Little Rock passed away on February 13, 2021 at home, He was born September 7, 1928 in Dermott, Arkansas to the late Joe A. and Mabel Niven.

He is survived by two children, J. Lyle Niven, Julie A. Niven and one brother, James E. Niven.

John enjoyed a varied and interesting career. Following graduation from Dermott High School, he received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Upon graduation from Annapolis, John entered a 12 month flight training program after which he received his pilot's wings.

After additional special training, he was assigned to the 344 Troop Carrier Wing and deployed to the Far East for participation in the Korean Conflict. His primary assignment was flying supplies and replacement troops to the Korean battle areas and evacuating troops and wounded to rear bases. He was chosen to fly the first American POW's released by the Chinese out of the war zone. Later he was accorded the additional honor of being selected to assist in the training of Japanese pilots who were the first to establish the new postwar Japanese National Airline.

During his years of duty in the Far Eastern Theater, John met his future bride, Mary Frances, who was engaged in teaching families of military personnel stationed at a large military base in Japan.

Later, following the Korean War Armistice, John was assigned to the Strategic Air Command, Air Refueling Operations. His squadron was deployed to Air Force bases in the United States, Labrador, Newfoundland, Greenland, England and others, off loading fuel to B-47's and B-52's at times directly over the North Pole as these planes were deployed in global flights.

Later, in civilian life he enjoyed great business success, retiring initially at the age of 40 following a 15-year career in the insurance industry working with the Combined Insurance Group. During this period, he earned top awards rising to the position of Regional Manager of six states in the Southeastern part of the United States. A special accomplishment was being selected along with four other managers for the challenging and significant event of establishing the company and its operations in the United Kingdom. This special task involved hiring and training key British personnel as a nucleus for the undertaking which subsequently grew the business progress in the Northern Hemisphere.

During his first retirement, he devoted many hours daily developing a hobby he had looked forward to for a long time-pursuing his talents as an artist as well as learning to play the saxophone. He began exhibiting his large detailed paintings of landscapes and natural scenes in art shows throughout Arkansas and surrounding states. During this period, he won over 45 major awards including Blue Ribbons and Best of Shows.

Although his first love was nature settings, he painted one significant portrait, that of Winston Churchill. While displayed in a large Little Rock art show which his friend, and then governor, Bill Clinton promoted, Clinton observed the portrait and telephoned John to purchase the painting. John subsequently gifted the Churchill portrait to the governor which he wanted to display in his Capitol Office.

Later, when Clinton was elected President, he took the painting to the White House and hung it in his private office adjoining the Oval Office. President Clinton invited John to the White House to observe the painting which John did in later years. The Churchill painting remained in the White House during the 8 years President Clinton remained in office.

John later became involved in politics, including four years in the Office of the State Attorney General of Arkansas working on the staff of Jim Guy Tucker. When Tucker was elected to Congressman of the 2nd District, he selected John to manage his Second District United States Congressional Office.

John later returned to private business, relocating to Destin, Florida where he supervised one of the largest resort facilities being built on the Gulf Coast - Hidden Dunes with hundreds of condominiums and a 21-story tower. Later, following this successful venture, he was called to the Atlantic Ocean eastern seaboard to continue oceanfront development. After several years, he returned to his native Arkansas finally settling with his family in Little Rock.

During the following almost 30 years in Pleasant Valley, he again pursued his talent in painting, creating celebrated paintings displayed in several banks throughout the city.

Graveside services will be 10:00am on Thursday, March 4, 2021, at the Gazebo of the Arkansas State Veteran's Cemetery, 1501 Maryland Drive, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72120 with Reverend Don Cooper officiating and Military Honors. Services are under the direction of Roller-Chenal Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, John requested any desired donations be made to the Humane Society of Pulaski County.

We are complying with the Arkansas Department of Health guidelines and all attendees must provide and wear their own masks.

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