James G. O'Hare
PEORIA – James G. O'Hare, 75, of Peoria, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at 6:47 a.m. on Saturday September 16, 2017 at Liberty Village Manor Court after a long battle with diabetes.
He was born on Sept. 22, 1941, in Peoria, IL, the son of Philip and Dorothy (Astle) O'Hare. Jim grew up in Mapleton, IL and attended Illinois State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1964.
He married Joan Scott on June 27, 1970 in Macomb Illinois. Jim is survived by his wife along with his only son Tom (Sandra) O'Hare of Peoria, his only daughter Emily (Nick) Cramer of Peoria; two nieces, Sara (Mark) O'Dwyer of Lombard, IL and Carrie (Doug) Arnold and their children Will, Whitney and Waylon of Janesville, WI; two cousins, Mary Anne (Jerry) Morsch of Kansas City, MO and Sandy (Phil) Hess of Naperville, IL. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and only sister Carol O'Hare.
For 29 years Jim enjoyed a rewarding career in Peoria District 150 teaching 7th and 8th grade science and social studies at Irving, as well as coaching the boys and girls basketball and softball teams. He later taught at Greeley, Longfellow and Lincoln before retiring in 1993.
Jim's presence positively touched the lives of many. He never had an enemy and always had a joke. He taught us so much and had a love of so many things.
Jim enjoyed hunting for antiques and placed an emphasis on stoneware. Jim was a charter member of the Collectors of Illinois Pottery and Stoneware Club which was founded in 1983, and served as president of COIPS for many years. Jim was also a charter member of the Old Sleepy Eye Collector's Club (est. 1976), and served several years as the president of the Pekin Bottle Collector's Association. Jim was a prominent antique dealer with multiple booths at Pleasant Hill Antique Mall and Illinois Antique Center, as well as malls in Peru and El Paso.
Jim was a big fan of all sports, but concentrated mainly on hockey and baseball. He held season tickets with the Peoria Rivermen since 1990-91 and made hundreds of trips with Tom to see the St. Louis Blues. Jim was elated by the Cubs magical run to the 2016 World Series title.
Jim enjoyed reading, jigsaw and crossword puzzles, music, flea markets, and finding treasures on eBay. He was a true friend to many and will be dearly missed by all.
Jim's memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Saturday October 14th, at the Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home at 2408 W. Willow Knolls Drive in Peoria. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service at the funeral home. Cremation rites have been accorded. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Jim's name to either: Peoria Humane Society [PAWS](at 2600 N.E. Perry, Peoria, IL 61603), Pets For Seniors (at P.O Box 64, Edwards, IL 61528) or Illinois Cancer Care Foundation (at 8940 N. Wood Sage Road, Peoria, IL 61615).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home.
November 4, 2017
Tonya Crouch
Loved him from grade school!!!He was everyone's favorite teacher,so very sorry to hear,so sorry.. He was such a amazing teacher and wonderful person.We will never forget him!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ Prayers go out to his family and friends!!
November 2, 2017
Dennis Decker
Joan, I'm so very sorry for your lost, Mr. O'Hare was my teacher in the 6,7,8 grade at Irving school, He was the best , he change my life and my love for Science, He will be greatly missed
October 14, 2017
John and Joan Scott
The world lost a very kind, big-hearted, and accepting person on September 16 with the passing of my brother-in-law, Jim O'Hare. Jim was a great guy, always interested in sharing his experiences and stories and in hearing about yours. He was a collector extraordinaire, from sleepy eyes, to pep pins, to matchbox covers, to 4 oz. barrel beer glasses. etc. --- he never gave up until he had the complete collection.
Jim was always giving of his time --- I remember how much my parents, especially my mother, appreciated Jim bringing his rototiller to Macomb every spring to till a small patch in their backyard so they could plant a garden.
I attended a Rivermans hockey game with Jim --- great fun--he even had an extra Rivermans jersey for me to wear --- needless to say, everyone around our seats knew and loved Jim. I think one of the best stories was when he won a contest and shot a hockey puck from mid-court into the net and won his family a trip to Hawaii --- awesome!
As the photo gallery on this website clearly shows, Jim loved his family and his friends, had fun, and enjoyed life. He loved life, even in his later years when he bravely faced the complications of diabetes.
Jim, we won't have the pleasure of watching with you the opening game of the Cubs-Dodgers NLCS --- but I know you will be cheering on your Cubs. Jim, please remember that as a staunch Cardinals fan, I even forgave you for being a Cubs fan:)
Joanie, Tom (and Sandra) and Emily (and Nick), we will be thinking of you today and holding you in our hearts during the visitation and service --- we will be there in spirit.
Love, John and Joan
October 14, 2017
Julie Devine
Jo, Tom, and Emily, I have so may fond memories of the good old days and Jim at Irving with my mom and the gang. Jim even made my days at physical therapy seeing the both of you after all these years. The thought of you both will always make my heart happy. I know Jim is with Mom, Doris and many others having a laugh and healthy again. So sorry for your loss he was truly a special man. Love Julie (Flores) Devine
October 13, 2017
Sonja Lamberson
Joan, Tom, Emily and family - We are sending our thoughts, prayers and love to you during this difficult time. I hope the memories shared of Jim by friends and family bring you peace and comfort. We wish we could be there but please know we are thinking of you and wrapping you in our arms from Texas. Love, The Lambersons
October 3, 2017
Roger Stone
We will always remember Jim and his family. We had many get together's and enjoyed their involvement in the Mid Illinois Corvette Club. He will be missed by both of us. We will pray for your comfort during this sad time of your lives. Take comfort knowing that Jim is no longer suffering and is with our Savior in Heaven. Sincerely, Roger & Mary Stone
September 29, 2017
Marsha Vogel (schnenlin)
I attended high school with Jim. He was always such a nice guy. Did not know about his life but i see many loved him an he mafe a big difference in those lives he touched. My condolences to all his family an friends. God Bess .
September 28, 2017
kim grabill
So sorry for your loss. He was such a sweet man. We will miss seeing him in the office.
September 27, 2017
Edie Bliss Stubbs
I remember Jim as a dedicated teacher, loving husband & dad. I send my love to Joan & family.
September 24, 2017
RIP MR. O'Hare thank you for all you taught me , and I especially thank you for getting me to the hospital when I was 13 when I cut my finger off at school you were one of the best, the world lost an angel, you were just an all around good guy. Irving school was a better place because of you, I still remember you bringing the class chocolate covered roaches, ants grass hoppers and so much more, you truly gave us some experiences to remember. Thank you and rest in peace!
~Larry Hightower~
September 23, 2017
Todd Finnegan
I was so sad to read of Jim's passing. I have such fond memories of you both, Jim and Joan, as a kid growing up. My mother taught with Jim at Irving and held him in such high regard as an educator and dear friend. I was blessed to have Joan as my 3rd grade teacher. Between those two things, a wonderful friendship was formed between our families! Please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
September 23, 2017
Pat Jacobs
Thank you for sharing your love of science...even though I would notCory the chocolate covered insects!!!
September 23, 2017
Angelique Fourdyce Wesley
He used to have these parties at greeley where we would eat snacks and watch the hockey game , he is the reason i like hockey and science.
September 23, 2017
Rayce Young
Thank you Mr. O'hare you were my Science teacher at Greeley. Rest now in Heaven
Rayce Guthrie -Young
September 22, 2017
Janet Hassett
Emily, I was one of your teachers at Dunlap. I just wanted you to know that I have always remembered you fondly. Your mother made the best pumpkin bread.
Please express my sincerest sympathy to your family on the passing of your dad. He sounds like a great guy.
Blessings,
Janet Hassett
September 22, 2017
Billy Ladany
Tom, Emily, and Mrs. O'Hare,
It is with a sad and heavy heart I send my most sincere and sympathetic condolences during this incredibly difficult time for your family. Jim was taken from us far too soon. But everything he stands for, the values he represents, lives on within his children and their mother. Tom and Emily, your strength, your fighters mentality, and your endless zest for life.......this comes from up top, from Mom and Dad. While it brings a tear to my eye when I think about Jim's passing, it makes me even prouder to know the people within the O'Hare family and the true character, thanks to Jim, that will continue to live on, for many generations to come.
Again, I am so sorry for your loss. Chicago's got you on the mind. Be well and God Bless.
-Billy Ladany
September 22, 2017
Richard Schroen
Joan: Sorry for your loss. Jim and you were always so pleasant when I worked at PHAM 2000-2006. And, Yes, I still have a couple of metal matchbox holders from Booth 72A. I always held you both in high regard. Please accept by condolences.
September 22, 2017
Thanks for playing football with us in the snow☺
September 22, 2017
Luther Funches
The teacher, coach, and friend. He loved teaching and caring for his students. I was one of five to be on the first and only rookie squad. He told me you are a rookie study the game. You will always be with me and thanks for being a great teacher. Love you always
September 22, 2017
Joan Im So Very Sorry What A Great Guy.Loved Him, Bob Rafferty
September 22, 2017
Mamie Funches
My condolences goes out to his wife, children, friends& students! If you knew him, you knew a grt man! He was my favorite teacher! He was a grt coach & teacher , who left a grt impact on his students! He treated us like we were his own children! Coming down to the Taft on Saturday mornings to pick the boys basketball team up for their games, I'm with them cause I kepted the score book! Drop the girls basketball team off in the Taft after every game after school! He always had a joke or two to tell! Yep..... I loved me some Mr. O' Hare! He was the best coach I ever had. They had a cheer tht went like this...... We got a coach that's good and fair because we got a coach name O'Hare. O H A R E. O'HARE, O'HARE. Those were some great times at Irving!
#RIPMYANGEL#
#RIPCOACH#
#YOUWILlTRULYBEMISSED#
September 21, 2017
Karen (Adams) Jenkins
Mr.O'Hare was my 7th grade teacher at Irving. One of my favorite teachers. I've wondered over the years if he were still teaching. He will be missed by many. Thoughts and prayers for family and friends.
September 21, 2017
Jim was my teacher back in 1973 at Irving. He was always happy and willing to take the time to help you. One Saturday he came over to my house and bought some old pottery at 50cents a quart. I was happy to get the $5 or $6 and he was excited to get the pottery. There's a lot of memories in the 7th and 8th grades and I'm glad he was a part of them. I can only imagine the thousands of students and the memories they have of him. He was the greatest. Charlie Crump
September 21, 2017
Thoughts and prayers to all of you... please let us know if there is anything we can do!
Love always,
Heather, Tiana, & Makayla Davis
September 21, 2017
Sally Gray
Irving Bulldogs Stand Up!! Mr. O'Hare was the BEST Science teacher and Coach EVER!!He cared deeply for us all. My prayer is that he rest in peace.
September 21, 2017
sonya mcneil
September 21, 2017
Our entire family will be forever grateful for the lifelong friendship that Jim&George shared. Jim will be missed.
September 20, 2017
Cousin Jim, the world will never be the same place without you. Love you forever
Mary Morsch
KC,MO
September 19, 2017
Sandra Hess
My cousin, Jim, was a good man. He loved his family and will be missed. I am so sorry for the sadness you feel. Love you all. Sandy and Phil
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Oct
14
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home2408 West Willow Knolls Drive, Peoria, IL 61614
Oct
14
3:00 p.m.
Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home2408 West Willow Knolls Drive, Peoria, IL 61614
Funeral services provided by:
Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home2408 West Willow Knolls Drive, Peoria, IL 61614
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