James F. "Jim" Ohl

James Frederick “Jim” Ohl, of Lawrenceville, Georgia, passed away on September 17, 2026. He was born on July 12, 1942, in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Jim lived his life with kindness, never-ending patience, empathy, and an unwavering devotion to the people and causes he loved. He had a gift for making those around him feel loved, safe, and celebrated. Always present and encouraging, Jim was someone others could depend on, with a calm and reassuring presence that helped carry family and friends through even the most difficult times.

For 45 years, Jim worked for BellSouth/AT&T before retiring in 2010. Outside of his career, music was an enduring part of his life. He began singing in church choir at just three years old and continued singing until the day before his passing. He also sang with Robert Shaw in the Atlanta Choral Guild for many years. His faith remained an important part of his life, and he was a member of St. Bede’s Episcopal Church.

Jim also enjoyed fishing and had a tremendous love for dogs. After retirement, he began rescuing dogs, and it was often said that he never met a foster dog he didn’t try to keep. His compassion for animals became another meaningful expression of the generous spirit with which he approached life.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Helen Ohl; his brother, Charles Ohl; and his sister, Martha Anne Howard.

He is survived by his loving wife, Sarah Jane Ohl; his children, Leanne (Kevin) Koeling, James Nelson Ohl, and Elizabeth Villa; bonus children, Barbara Penland, Scott (Kelley) Weaver, and Susan (Patrick) Campbell; his sister, Susan Lalor; nine grandchildren, Kelly, Kasey, Jacob, Taylor, Alex, Deena, Josh, Zac, and Tyler; and nine great-grandchildren, Tatum, Harley, Beau, Ezra, Aspen, Bennett, Kai, Logan, and Jace.

Jim will be remembered for the steadiness of his presence, the music he shared throughout his life, his compassion for animals, and above all, the way he made the people he loved feel safe, valued, and celebrated.

A funeral service honoring Jim’s life will be held on October 3, 2026, at St. Bede’s Episcopal Church. He will be laid to rest at Decatur Cemetery at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to St. Bede’s Episcopal Church or Rescue Ranch dog rescue in Rutledge, Georgia.