Thomas James "Tom" O'Hara

Thomas James O'Hara passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 15, 2025, in Ozark, Missouri, after a courageous six-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born on December 2, 1965, in Elmhurst, Illinois.
Tom grew up in Lombard, Illinois, and graduated from Glenbard East High School. He continued his education at the College of DuPage in Illinois before embarking on a successful career as an account executive for various businesses. Over the years, he demonstrated remarkable versatility and leadership in his professional life-owning his own company - TnT Direct Mail and Marketing, serving as an account manager for May and Speh Direct Mail Company in Illinois, and later retiring from Verizon Wireless as an Advanced Solutions Architect.
Tom was predeceased by his parents: James Patrick O'Hara and Mary Jean Walker O'Hara, as well as his brother, John Patrick O'Hara.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Tracy O'Hara; his children: Steven O'Hara (Alexa), Shannon O'Hara, and Dylan O'Hara; and his cherished grandson, Madden O'Hara. He is also survived by his siblings: Jeanmarie Waterfield, Michael O'Hara, and Elizabeth Harvison (Richard); two nieces: Jenna Goble and Blair Robertson; and three nephews: James O'Hara, Ryan O'Hara, and Robert Krzemien.
A state champion swimmer and diver, as well as a gymnast in his youth, Tom carried a love for physical activity throughout his life. He was an active member at Aldersgate Methodist Church in Nixa, Missouri. Tom enjoyed kayaking, grilling the perfect steak, listening to music, and tackling home projects with enthusiasm. Known for his thoughtful approach to parenting and mentorship-often teaching through example-Tom was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend who worked tirelessly for those he loved.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials in Tom's name may be made to National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, https://www.npcf.us/. Arrangements and cremation are under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks.