James Thomas Ohlhaver

James "Jim" Ohlhaver, age 75, passed away on April 24th, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Joliet, Illinois, Jim spent most of his life just outside of Washington, D.C., where he became a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many. He later spent a few years in Florida before returning to North Carolina in 2020, where he resided until his passing.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Comstock Ohlhaver; his father, Harry Ohlhaver; and his brother, Richard Ohlhaver.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Carlesse Combs Ohlhaver; his sister, Mary Susan Ohlhaver; his daughters, Tracy Ohlhaver Burnett and her husband Matt Burnett, and Lyndsey Ohlhaver and her significant other Jeff Richie; and his grandchildren, Ava Vanselous and her husband Trey, Harlee Boykin, Branson Boykin, Olive Burnett, and Lucy Burnett.

Jim was a stellar athlete, beginning with his football, basketball, and baseball days at St. Michael’s Grade School in Silver Spring, MD. It was at St. John’s High School in Washington, D.C., however, that Jim established himself as a truly gifted athlete, leader, scholar, and friend to many.

During his senior year—the Fall 1968 season—Jim, playing fullback, rushed for approximately 1,140 yards, averaging over 5.8 yards per carry. His success in 1968 led him to the College of William & Mary, where he played under the late Coach Lou Holtz.

When Coach Holtz accepted the head coaching position at North Carolina State University, Jim transferred to Catholic University of America, where he traded his helmet for a baseball cap and played under legendary Coach Bob Talbot. His love for football prompted him to play a season of football at Catholic, where he shined as a running back. After graduating from Catholic University, Jim taught at St. John’s High School while attending Law School at night. He received his law degree from the University of Baltimore in 1980, and then began his employment with IBM which lasted 37 years.

Jim had so many friends, from so many different areas of his life but a special group was formed in 1990 when several St. John’s teammates, along with a few others, began an annual August trek to Pinehurst to renew friendships, share embellished stories, and enjoy camaraderie—with, yes, some golf in between.

These few August days over the past thirty-six years were very special to Jim. He was viewed as a true friend, an eloquent communicator, and a man of character, honor, loyalty, and integrity—among so many other qualities.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Jim’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Wounded Warrior Project, or a charity of your choice.

Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Ohlhaver family.