Community members, local journalists, and sports fans in Rome and around the state of Georgia have been in mourning this week over the passing of Jim O’Hara on Tuesday at the age of 69. O’Hara spent two decades as the Sports Editor for the Rome News-Tribune, then spent time as official scorekeeper of the Rome Braves (now known as the Rome Emperors).
Jeff Gable fondly recalls working alongside O’Hara in the RN-T sports department. Gable told WLAQ Sports that O’Hara was a mentor, friend, and inspiration to many.
Sports journalist Loran Smith, who is best known for his association with the University of Georgia Athletics, remembers O’Hara as a quality sports writer and a man of great integrity.
WLAQ 1410 AM/96.9 FM salutes Jim O’Hara for his contributions to Rome and Floyd County sports and for being a great friend. If there is minor league baseball in Heaven, there is no doubt in our minds that O’Hara is there in the stands, leading a rousing rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”.