James Patrick O'Hara

James Patrick O’Hara, 77, of Leonia, NJ passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 30, 2024. He is survived by his wife of 44 years Gail (nee Gavagan), daughter Ellen and husband Paul, son Jimmy and wife Ann Marie, as well as his five beloved grandchildren: Maeve, Paul, Liam, Julia and Kieran. He is predeceased by his sister Veronica and survived by his sister Patricia.

Born in the Bronx and raised in Fair Lawn, NJ, Jim served his country honorably in the Vietnam War. As a part of the 101st Airborne, Jim served in Germany as well as Vietnam during the Tet Offensive.  Jim served many years in the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department, rising the ranks to Lieutenant prior to his retirement in 2001.  While there, Jim served as President of PBA Local 134, state union delegate, and ran for Bergen County Sheriff in 2001 to represent the voice of the rank-and-file officer that he served with for so many years.

After marrying, he and his wife raised their children in Leonia, NJ and he was an active member in the community. They happily resided there for 40+ years. Among many other things he was a member of the Leonia Recreation Commission and longtime little league baseball coach.

But the most important job of his life was as Dad and Grandpa.  He loved the Jersey Shore, the Yankees and Giants, his Irish heritage – but nothing more than his family.  He adored his grandchildren, and they felt the same about him.

In addition to an extended family of cousins, nieces, and nephews that he loved dearly – he had friends of a lifetime.  They buried their parents and raised their children together and they too were family.

Jim’s life was one of service and love to all those around him.  Remember him as you last saw him with that wonderful smile.