James J O'Hara

James J. O'Hara (age 91) passed away peacefully on September 18, 2025. He is survived by his wife, Elsie (nee Prusa); children, M. Scott O'Hara, Brian (Colleen) O'Hara, the late Cheryl O'Hara and the late James J. O'Hara III; stepfather to Deborah (Thomas) Rekosh, Joseph (Lynn) Budz III, Marcia (Kenneth) Swinarski, and Julianne (Michael) Murphy.

Cherished grandfather to Sarah Rekosh, Nicole Budz, Briana (David) Rekosh, Brandon (Justine) Budz, Jacob (Lydia) Rekosh, Amy (Jay) Zimirowski, Joseph (Sabina) O'Hara, Abigail Cwiklinski, Conor O'Hara, Nicole O'Hara, Cailin O'Hara, Aidan O'Hara, Shane Murphy, Grace Swinarski and Evan Swinarski, along with five great grandchildren.
After graduating Saint Rita of Cascia High School, James attended college for two years when he was drafted into the Army where he was a computer specialist during the Korean War, spending most of his enlistment in Germany. He then began his career at Illinois Bell until retirement.

Relocating with his wife, Elsie, to Bass Lake in Knox, Indiana, they lived there for 33 years where incredible memories were made with the entire family with boating, enjoying the lake, bonfires, and his passion with golf. Among many other interests, James enjoyed football and boxing.

James was very active with his local VFW post and blessed to enjoy a day in Washington, D.C. on the Honor Flight.

When they were ready to leave Bass Lake, they relocated to Illinois to live with family, ultimately ending up in a retirement community in Saint John, Indiana.

In memory of James, donations may in his name to St. Jude's Children Hospital and K9s for Warriors would be appreciated.

Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025 at 11AM at St. Michael's Church, 14327 Highland Avenue, Orland Park, Illinois.