James O'Hare

James Michael O'Hare III, 69, passed away in early March at his beautiful home overlooking the
Guadalupe River in Comfort, Texas. Yes, he lived in Comfort, and his family and friends always enjoyed the
good feelings that came with knowing that he lived in "comfort." His family from California enjoyed visiting
him and experiencing the attachments "O'Hare" had in the Hill Country, his forever home that he longed to
share with everyone.
Michael O'Hare was born in Bakersfield CA, June 10, 1947, to Katherine Inez Rea and James Michael
O'Hare II. He was born into a pioneer farming family that homesteaded in Kern County CA in 1860. Michael
was very proud of his roots and his family. He lost his dad at the tender age of four but always had the love
and support of all of his "uncle daddies" in the extended family, and good neighbors. When he was 13
years old, his mother remarried to Jack E. Moore, Sr., his step-father, also a great support.
As a teenager, Michael worked in the oil industry. His first job was roughnecking for Oil Well Service. He
became a world traveler leaving his hometown in 1966 at age 19 and headed for Australia in search of
adventure. His experience led him to work with Drilling Contractors of Australia Pty. Ltd. His world travels
were always linked to the oil industry; he worked on several offshore and deep water or subsea completion
projects with several companies, primarily Vetco and Global Marine.
During his travels Michael returned to the US. He attended Texas A&M to study Agri-Business
Management, Marketing and Petroleum Engineering. He fell in love with Texas. Upon completing his
studies, he returned to England to work for Vetco Offshore, Inc. in 1975. In 1976, Michael was in an
automobile accident that crushed his feet and resulted in his returning to the US ending his travels. Michael
underwent reconstructive surgery and other therapies for his feet, while continuing to work.
Michael's interests and need for adventure, however, led him to leave Vetco and head to Utah to be coowner
of Pilot Mt Ranch, a land development opportunity near Salt Lake City. From there he ventured to
Idaho, and then Texas and back to the Bay Area in California for surgery at Stanford Hospital. After some
healing, Michael returned to Texas and landed in Luckenbach in the late 70s, where he always said he
"grew new feet" due to the kindness of his dear friends and a community who helped him through rough
years of recovery. Michael encountered many challenges to his health over the years, and always the best
medicine for him was home.
O'Hare wore many hats from Luckenbach's "Honorary Sanitation Engineer" to rock wall builder, to fur
trader, to "maintainer" operator for road and land contouring as Armadillo Construction Company which he
created and operated out of Fredericksburg. The Hill Country is where he chose to stay to "spread the love"
and support shared with those whose lives he was and would become a part of, and to live in God's
country. Growing up in Bakersfield Michael always had a canine companion, and here in the Hill Country it
was no different. An Australian Shepherd mix, Senor Ocho was his best sidekick ever! Bakersfield was
good training for his life here. He loved to fish, hunt and shoot and had great appreciation and respect for
guns. He found country life like where he was raised, and his heart was smitten by the folk, the wildlife, and
the rivers, especially the Guadalupe River on which he made his home in Comfort.
Michael O'Hare was a businessman too. He spent many years from the late 80s through 2016 working in
sales (1988 - 95), civil litigation services and debt collection (1990-93) as well as investment and estate
planning for a number of companies some of which he founded and co-developed: Texas Heritage Estate
Planning Group, LLP, National Wealth Solutions, LLC, Deeproot (2009-2016). He received numerous
awards for his sales records and for his customer services while working in Houston and San Antonio.
Michael had a way with words and people. He was a unique and special person.
James Michael O'Hare III is preceded in death by his parents, step-father, and grandparents.
Michael requested no services. His siblings hosted a small gathering celebrating "O'Hare" at his home on
March 19th.
Michael is survived by his canine companion Senor Ocho who will be in good hands and remain in the Hill
Country; his devoted siblings, Judith A. (Terry) Newman, Jannez M. 'Nezzie' Wade, and Jack E. (Laura)
Moore Jr.; his loving aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews, cousins and his
many, many friends - his family of affinity - across the globe, and his very special "Hill Country Kin." They
were all very special to him, as he was to them. May he now rest in peace in his forever home.
Michael's wish is that we all "Spread the Love" he found everywhere in the world, but mostly right here at
home.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Kerrville Funeral Home. (830) 895-5111.

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