Ohio National Guard News

Former Assistant Adjutant General for Army Abraham dies

COLUMBUS, Ohio (11/08/2015) — Retired Brig. Gen. James M. Abraham, former Ohio assistant adjutant general for Army, died Nov. 8. He was 92.

He is credited with the creation of a college tuition grant program for National Guard members, now known as the Ohio National Guard Scholarship Program, which helps pay up to 100 percent of tuition costs at a technical school, college or university in exchange for up to six years of active service in the Ohio National Guard. In the 1970s, he played a key role in preventing the deactivation of the Ohio University ROTC program, which has produced thousands of commissioned officers since.

Abraham was born on Nov. 21, 1922, in Athens, Ohio. He was a graduate of Athens High School and earned two bachelor's degrees and a master's degree from Ohio University. He enlisted as a private in the Army in October 1943 and received a direct commission in September 1945. He served in the Third Army during World War II under Gen. George S. Patton, who presented him a battlefield commendation.

He was released from the Army in 1946 and served with the Officers' Reserve Corps before he joined the Ohio Army National Guard in April 1961. His assignments included a variety of both command and staff positons, from the platoon to brigade and task force levels. His last assignment was as assistant adjutant general for Army, from January 1975 until his retirement in September 1982.

Survivors include his wife Irene; daughter Michele; son Daniel; brother Mitchell; numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Philomena; first wife of 41 years, Meryl; sister Julia; brothers Charlie, William and Paul; nephew Edward Pate; and sister-in-law Mary.

A Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 13 at St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic Church, 807 Havens Corners Road, Gahanna, Ohio 43230. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14 at Schoedinger Funeral Home, 1051 East Johnstown Road, Gahanna, Ohio 43230. Calling hours will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday prior to the memorial service. Online condolences may be expressed at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dispatch/obituary.aspx?pid=176422825.