James T. O'Hara

James T. O'Hara, 88, of Washington, DC, passed away suddenly on January 2, 2025. He was born on October 11, 1936 in Hazleton, PA, to Thomas and Bridget O'Hara. Jim graduated from King's College in Wilkes-Barre, PA., received his LL.B. from The Catholic University of America, and his LL.M. in Taxation from Georgetown University, where he later served as an adjunct professor for 20 years. He practiced corporate tax law for Jones Day since 1972.

He was a dedicated member of Jones Day's Border Project, a pro bono initiative that represents migrant children and mothers. Jim made numerous trips to the U.S.-Mexican border as recently as one month ago, and provided legal counsel and pro bono representation to many women and families as they seek asylum in the United States and eventual citizenship. He had the utmost respect for his colleagues at Jones Day and was forever grateful for the lifelong friendships he made with lawyers and staff at the firm.

Jim served on the boards of numerous organizations including King's College in Wilkes-Barre, PA., Crossway Community, Kensington, MD., and St. Bonaventure University, St. Bonaventure, NY.

Jim's greatest love was his family especially his wife of 61 years, Katie, and was happiest when surrounded by them. He was devoted to his Catholic faith and was a generous contributor to various charitable organizations. His favorite pastimes were organizing family vacations to far-flung places, boating on the Wye River, MD., and cheering on his favorite teams: Notre Dame football, the Washington Nationals, Georgetown Hoyas basketball, and the Washington Commanders. He counted Vince Lombardi and Jackie Robinson as some of his sports heroes.

Jim was a great storyteller, loved a good celebration, and was inspired by the song "The Gambler" by Kenny Rogers. He believed that knowing when to hold 'em, and knowing when to fold 'em, could serve as a practical foundation for career and life decisions. He always had an open door policy at work and in life, and was generous with his time and advice. He had a knack for bringing people together and was a problem solver. He set challenges for himself on his milestone birthdays, including climbing Mt. Rainer for his 70th and bike riding 80 miles for his 80th. He had planned to do 90 pushups for his 90th, but we're sure he had a Plan B and a Plan C, just in case.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Katie, his children Colleen O'Hara (Doug Mashkuri), Michael O'Hara (Melissa), Brian O'Hara (Michelle); his grandchildren Colin Mashkuri, Keegan O'Hara, Sol Mashkuri, James O'Hara and Campbell O'Hara; his brother Fr. Tom O'Hara, C.S.C., and sister Patricia Prendergast, and many extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his brother Robert "Botcho" O'Hara and sister Sarah "Sally" Dougherty.

Services were held Saturday January 11 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Crossway Community Inc., Kensington, MD. https://www.crossway-community.org/