James Scott Ohlmacher

JAMES S. OHLMACHER, age 81, passed away in Laurel, Maryland on January 25, 2024; beloved husband of Ireene K. Ohlmacher; devoted father of Jay Ohlmacher, Juditha Ohlmacher (Anis), and Eva Buckles (Shane); loving grandfather to Ashley, Emily, Zoe and Alexander; dear brother of John (Jane), George (Catherine), Gregory (Sue), and William (Deborah) Ohlmacher.

Born January 30, 1942, in Ottawa, Illinois, he was the son of John H. and Katherine Halm Ohlmacher. He graduated from the University of Maryland in 1967, and worked as a Mainframe Engineer for IBM until his retirement.

Jim met the love of his life, Ireene, at a square dance. They married in 1968 and had a wonderful marriage that lasted 55 years. They enjoyed dancing together and were members of the Swinging Squares square dance group for many years.

Jim was a lifelong car, railroad, and sailboat enthusiast. A member of RRE, he took many train trips across the country, and also built his own HO-scale model railroad in his basement. He took his family sailing on the Chesapeake over the summers. As a member of the Chesapeake Catboat Association, he and his dear friend David Bleil won first place several times in the Prospect Bay Regatta.

Always up for adventure, he explored the world, traveling to northern Canada, Alaska, France, UK, India, Bangladesh, Thailand, and Cambodia.

He was the president of PSW Science in 1995. In his Retiring President’s Lecture, he recounted his career in computing, starting on machines that used punch cards and reel-to-reel tapes.

A long-time Laurel resident, he was a regular at the historic Tastee Diner, as well as Toucan Tacos (“Tippy’s”). Later in life, he could be found quietly rowing his dory at the Rocky Gorge Reservoir, a pleasure he would share with his grandchildren.

Jim is remembered as a gentle person, often with a smile on his face, and always ready to see the amusing side of life.

He is predeceased by his parents and his brother John T. “Jack” Ohlmacher. Jim is survived by his wife, Ireene, and his three children, Jay, Juditha, and Eva, as well as his four grandchildren and many loving family and friends.

Jim’s remains will be scattered in a private event, and a memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.

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