Jim O'Hora

James Joseph O’Hora (February 16, 1915 – August 5, 2005) was an American college football coach for over 30 years.

O’Hora was born in Dunmore, Pennsylvania. His father, Michael, was an immigrant from Ballina, County Mayo, Ireland who entered the United States through Ellis Island. His mother, Mary Butler O’Hora, was also an immigrant from Ireland. O’Hora played football for Dunmore High School. He was a member of its champion team in 1930 and was named to the Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania All Academic Team in 1932. He graduated in 1932.

He attended The Pennsylvania State College which later grew to Penn State. While playing center for the Penn State Nittany Lions under Coach Bob Higgins, O’Hora lettered in 1933, 1934 and 1935. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Health and Physical Education from PSU in 1936. He was certified in Pennsylvania to teach Biological Science, Social Studies, and Physical education.

His coaching career began in 1936, as a graduate assistant at Penn State University while working on his master's degree. After earning a master's degree in 1937, O'Hora was a high school gym teacher and head football coach at Roaring Spring High School at Roaring Spring, Pennsylvania. In 1939, he became head football coach, head basketball coach and head baseball coach at Mahanoy Township High School in Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania.

On November 28, 1942, he married Elizabeth Emily Miller a social studies teacher from Mahanoy City, at Queen of All Saints RCC, Brooklyn, New York.

In 1942, O’Hora enlisted in the Gene Tumey Program which was part of the US Navy Physical Fitness Program. His rank was Chief Petty Officer. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1942. O'Hora trained at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. He became the commanding officer of U.S.S. LSM 8 in the Pacific fleet in 1944. He served in the Luzon Philippines Campaign.

...
Wikipedia