Obituary of James "Jimmy" Lawrence O'Hagan, Jr.

It is with great sadness that I post the obituary of my cousin Jimmy O'Hagan who passed away on October 16. Jimmy inspired me to learn more about our shared ancestors from Ireland, the O'Hagans and Corrs, which eventually led to this blog. He was a wonderful man who will be missed very much by many.

James Lawrence O’Hagan Jr. (Jimmy), 78, beloved husband of Rebecca Fiveash O’Hagan (Becky) departed this world Saturday, October 16 at his home in Fernandina Beach, Florida  surrounded by his family.  

A native and long time resident of Fernandina Beach, he was born March 5, 1932 to James Lawrence O’Hagan Sr. and Elizabeth Sturges O’Hagan.  Jimmy was their only child. He attended St. Michaels Academy in Fernandina, Bolles School in Jacksonville and Fernandina Beach HS.

Jimmy married Denyse Titcomb O’Hagan in 1951 (Their marriage was tragically short as Denyse died of a terminal illness in 1958).  He served in the United States Air Force.  He was stationed at Tyndall Air Force Base where he played football for the “Tyndall Tigers” of which he was most proud.  Jimmy graduated from the University of Georgia in Athens with a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry in 1959.  He was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity and Xi Sigma Pi. Following college Jimmy worked for Rayonier Timber Division as a registered Forester. 

Jimmy married Becky Fiveash in 1959.  In 1965 he went to work for International Minerals and Chemical, Inc. and rose to the position of Southeastern Area Sales Manager.  

Jimmy moved home to Fernandina in 1987 and became interested in genealogy.  He was one of the grandchildren of Amelia Island Lighthouse keeper Thomas Patrick O'Hagan and had a desire to learn more about his Irish ancestors.   Following extensive research on the family, Jimmy and Becky made several trips to Ireland making many friends and united family members in Ireland and the United States.  

Jimmy was a member of St. Michaels Parish, a contributor to University of Georgia Athletics and a loyal “Bulldog”.   Above all he enjoyed spending quality time with his family who he so dearly loved.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Rebecca Fiveash O’Hagan, sons James Lawrence O’Hagan III, Michael Keith O’Hagan and daughter Dana O’Hagan McCoy (Kevin), eight grandchildren and one great grandson.  

A memorial service will be held in St. Michaels Catholic Church at 11:00 AM, October 24, Father Brian Eburn will officiate.  A reception will follow immediately at the home of Dana and Kevin McCoy.  Interment at Bosca Bella Cemetery will be held at a later date.  Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors, Inc. is in charge of arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations be made to The Salvation Army ARC in Jacksonville, FL.