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O’Mara was leader in North County Labor movement
Services Held for Former County
Councilman James O’Mara, Dead at 78
Former St. Louis County Councilman James O’Mara 78, died unexpectedly on Wednesday April 15, 2015. The funeral was April 20 from the Stygar Mid Rivers Funeral Home & Crematory, 5987 Mid Rivers Mall Dr. (St. Charles) to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1355 Motherhead Rd. (Cottleville) for a Celebration of Mass. Interment was at Ste. Philippine Cemetery (St. Charles).
Mr. O’Mara attended St. Mark’s Grade School and graduated from McBride High School in 1954. He was married to Patricia Walsh for over 59 years and together they had seven children and eventually 23 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He was most proud of his close-knit Irish family.
His career was dedicated to helping working men and women provide for their families. A 60-year member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 562, he ultimately served as Business Manager until retiring in 2002. A founding member of the North County Labor Legislative Club, he was also instrumental in starting the “Heats On” program, which continues today.
In 1990, Mr. O’Mara was elected to the St. Louis County Council from District #4 in North St. Louis County, a position he held until retiring in 2001. Based on his expertise in many areas of government, he was appointed to various Missouri Boards by four different Missouri governors.
Mr. O’Mara was active in philanthropic organizations throughout his career, including Mary Grove Children’s Home, DePaul Hospital Community Advisory Board, Commercial Bank Advisory Board, St. Patrick Center and many others. His son, District #4 County Councilman Mike O’Mara, said, “My father was an inspiration to us. He led by example and taught us to give back.”
Mr. O’Mara is survived by his wife, his daughters Kathy (Tom) Fischer, Debbie (Rick) Sloan and Karen (Tom) Quinn; and sons Tim (Diane) O’Mara, Mike (Carol), John (Denise), and Kevin O’Mara; and his brother Denny (Debbie) O’Mara. Mike O’Mara is a current county councilman from North County
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the American Heart Association–St. Louis Chapter or Adopt a Family Local 562-Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 562, 12385 Larimore Road, St. Louis MO 63138.
