Copyright cherokeephoenix
JAY – For a respected businessman in Jay, a single photograph sheds light on a tireless pursuit of better days for his hometown of Jay, Oklahoma. In the grainy image, a young Johnnie Earp is surrounded by his mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother. “My great-grandmother originally got the Indian allotments, and she immediately donated some land for a church, a school and a cemetery out east of town,” Earp said. “In their opinion, you weren’t anything unless you were taking care of that family, that church and that community. So, they ingrained that into me and made sure I was in church and made sure I got the right moral values. I think that’s the basic foundation of what’s led me to where I am in life.” Now, 65, the successful banker and former accountant is a fixture in Jay, having served on more than a dozen economic and community-focused boards and committees in addition to his many volunteer efforts. “Probably one of my bigger passions is economic development,” Earp said. “The reason is back in the 1970s and ‘80s, it was tough around here. There just weren’t many jobs available. Primarily the only thing there was, was agricultural-type jobs – hauling hay, cleaning stalls, picking up rocks, and it was tough work. That’s always motivated me that hey, I hate to see our Native kids – all kids – have to leave the area to get a good job.” A long-time promoter of economic progress within his community, Earp still sits on several boards, including the Northeastern Oklahoma Regional Alliance, Cherokee Nation Economic Development Trust Authority, Jay Chamber of Commerce, Delaware County Salvation Army, Grand Gateway Trust Authority Board and more. Earp has helped push several projects forward in Jay and Delaware County, including the acquisition of land for the Jay Industrial Park. He has also served on the Delaware County E911 board for 23 years. During that time, the board applied for grants with the intention of building a new E911 system and linking the entire county. A new E911 building and system were realized in 2025. But one of his highlights was taking on the role of chairman of the Jay Education Foundation for more than two decades. “Basically, we were able to raise over $30,000 a year to give to our graduating seniors to continue their education,” Earp said. “You know, when you’re getting ready to go to vo-tech or college, every cent matters. We were able to motivate the rest of the community in making donations. Our scholarships have done wonders in Jay over that time period.” A first-generation college student with a business degree, Earp’s own education wouldn’t have been possible without help from the Cherokee Nation, he said. “That’s part of my great appreciation toward Cherokee Nation,” he added. “We were poor. We didn’t have anything, and Cherokee Nation provided me a job while I was going to school. It didn’t pay much but it helped pay the bills. If it hadn’t been for that, I couldn’t have afforded to go to college and get my degree.” Today, Earp is market president at Grand Savings Bank in Jay, where he’s worked for more than 30 years. Recognizing his passion for community, Earp is one of this year’s Cherokee Phoenix Seven Feathers honorees. Since 2019, the newspaper has spotlighted Cherokee Nation citizens and their impact in the areas of areas of business, culture, education, health, language, service and community. Earp was nominated for, and received, the community award. “It’s such an honor,” he said. “Community is so critical to me and has been for my family ever since I was a young child. If I had one major desire, it’s to leave the community stronger than when I got here.” Earp is married and has five adult sons.
