James O'Hara

James Andrew O’Hara LAKE OF EGYPT-James Andrew O’Hara, 81, of the Lake of Egypt, passed away at 2:10 PM, Wednesday, March 18, 2010 at Shawnee Christian Nursing Center in Herrin. Graveside services will be at 11:15 AM, Saturday, March 20, 2010 at Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, Saturday, March 20, 2010 at the Blue Funeral Home in Marion. Military rites will be held by Benton American Legion. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois: envelopes are available at the funeral home or may be sent c/o Blue Funeral Home, PO Box 411, Marion, IL 62959. James was born July 9, 1928 in Benton to James Graves and Marie (Huelbig) O’Hara. He married Mary Lee McMillan on May 18, 1952 in Christopher; together they shared 57 years of marriage. Survivors include his wife, Mary O’Hara of the Lake of Egypt; son, James Andrew O’Hara, Jr. of Marion; grandchildren, Sara Beth Phillips, Quentin King, James Gerald O’Hara, Abigail Marie O’Hara and Alayna Michelle O’Hara; sister and brother-in-law, Mary Jean and Clarence DeMattei of Marion; son-in-law, Steve King of Marion; and nephews, JJ, Clay, Mike and John DeMattei; and nieces, Gina Crippen and Jenna Fletcher. He was preceded in death by his parents and daughters, Jama King and Susan O’Hara. James was a graduate of Benton High School. He worked as a painting contractor for more than 50 years in Benton and Marion. He served his country with the United States Army. He was an avid NASCAR fan.