James "Jim" Carloss O'Hara

James “Jim” Carloss O’Hara, 94, of San Angelo, Texas, passed away on Sunday, December 11, 2022, at his home following a brief illness. He was born in Princeton, Kentucky, to the late Earnest Warner and Marion Carloss O’Hara.

Jim was a graduate of Butler High School, Princeton KY, Class of 1946, and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America in 1945. He received his BS Degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the University of Texas and MS and Doctor of Philosophy Degrees from Ohio State University. He was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force in 1955 and from the USAFR in 1970 as a Captain. While at the University at Texas, Jim met Marjorie “Mitzi” Angwin, whom he married in Pittsburg, Kansas. Mitzi was the love of Jim’s life for more than seven decades during which they shared many adventures.

Jim’s stellar career in engineering and as a professor at Tulane University in New Orleans, La. inspired students, friends and family. He amazed many as he pursued his childhood interest in the Lockheed P-38 Lightening airplane by designing, building with the help of “Mitzi the Riveter,” and flying the two-seat 2/3 scale P-38. His flight on July 4, 2008, at the age of 80, qualified him for membership in the UFO’s, United Flying Octogenarians. Jim and Mitzi enjoyed flying to participate in fly-ins with members of the Experimental Aircraft Association.

Survivors include his wife, Mitzi of San Angelo, TX; nephews: Ed Presler (Betty) of Lexington, KY, John Presler (Marty) of Princeton, KY, and Tom Presler (Millie) of Clarksville, TN; niece Frances Woodring (David) of Sturgis, KY; brother-in-law Fred Angwin of Springfield, MO; sister-in-law Susie Heflin (Ron) of Richardson, TX; two nephews-in-law; and numerous great-nephews and nieces. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by brother Dick E. O’Hara, sister Dorothy Presler, and brother-in-law J. H. “Bill” Presler.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Dec. 19, 2022, at Harper Funeral Home in San Angelo, TX with Rev. Kelly Duke officiating. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to West Texas Rehabilitation Center’s Hospice of San Angelo, 1933 University Ave., San Angelo, TX 76904 or to a charity of choice. 

Memorial Service

Monday, December 19, 2022

1:00PM

Harper Funeral Home 
2606 Southland Boulevard 
San Angelo, TX 76904