Captain James B. Hohlfeld, a US Army veteran of Vietnam and numerous cold war engagements, a long time resident of Pecos, New Mexico, has passed away on November 30, 2023 at the home he shared with his wife of 41 years, Sharon Louise Hohlfeld, after a long battle with cancer.
Captain Hohlfeld, known as Jim to his friends and family, was born August 19, 1945 in St. Louis Missouri. After high school, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving in combat in Vietnam and arising to the rank of Sergeant(E5). After his first tour of duty, Jim was selected for Officer Candidate School. Continuing his military training, Jim completed Jungle Operations Courses, Army Ranger School, and then moved on to United States Army Special Forces training, graduating in 1968. Jim then returned to Vietnam as an officer where he distinguished himself in action. During his time in Vietnam, among other decorations, he was awarded a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star with V for valor and two Oak Leaf Clusters, and an Army Air Medal for combat assault missions.
After his service in Vietnam, Jim served as an advisor throughout Southeast Asia and other jungle locations, eventually moving to reserve status. In 1982 he left the military and began work as a private security contractor. In 1985, Jim moved to Pecos, New Mexico, and created the internationally recognized training and education school known as Ranger Outreach Center. Jim’s students came from diverse backgrounds and locations, such as the Japanese Self-Defense Forces, German Bundeswehr, NSA, United States State Department, and many others. Jim and his team mentored and educated students for 20 years. In 2005, Jim shifted from training and education to the development of some of his inventions, morphing the Ranger Outreach Center into ROC Technologies, a creator of specialized equipment for the Quiet Professional. His unique inventions were used by, among others, United States special operations units in Afghanistan and Iraq.
A gentleman, a scholar, a soldier, and an educator, Jim was a renaissance man known by his students as always teaching people to learn, to think creatively, and to do the “best you can, with what you got.” Jim had a kind and giving heart, always willing to share his knowledge and experience. We were blessed to have known him, and he will be forever missed.
Jim is survived by his wife Sharon, and people all over the world who love and respect him, and who’s lives were made better and more free by having known him.
Rest in peace soldier.
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About |
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| Name | James Hohlfeld |
| Date of Birth | August 19th, 1945 |
| Date of Death | November 30th, 2023 |
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Memorial |
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| Funeral Home | Rivera Family Funeral Home - Santa Fe | |
| Address |
417 Rodeo Road Santa Fe NM 87505 United States |
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published a tribute .
Accompanying note with the photo "Thought you might find this interesting. Helping the KAREN of Burma build SOG Teams for deep ops...Started training with 48 "candidates." You can see how many graduated... Jim." I only got to know Jim in the last 15 years of his life as one of his regular caregivers at the VA. He never ceased to amaze me with his upbeat attitude and will to keep fighting the side effects of cancer treatment. God crossed our paths for a reason, and I am still reviewing the mountain of videos, conservative blogs, and letters he sent on a regular basis (I guess I was another recipient of his all-American Patriot 'care packages,' maybe a surrogate nephew...). His last letter to me, unfinished, was a chronical of 'Damage Assessment' that I think shows that he knew the end was near. Sharon, incredible strength to hang in there with him to the end, and I admire your grit. As others have said, 'Rest in Peace' to a warrior and warrior facilitator. See you on the other side, no pain or tears...
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published a comment .
but I have been respected you.
Beautiful may not be the word for it, but your eyes keep all of, calm, warm, gentle, far foresee, burning... I assume, the person who has reached quite high level can obtain such eyes.
I was so lucky to learn techniques for surviving from such integrity person. Not only those, you also taught me the way to live stand tall through.
However, I have not yet reached your heights and am still on a quest.
There is no doubt that your philosophy, spirit and soul continue to live in our heart as a radiating gem.
Someday in the future see you again. Until then.
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published a tribute .
Miss you, Jim. I really owe what I am now. As your successor, or your son, I will strive what you've taught me. Rest in peace.
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published a tribute .
In Loving memory of Uncle Jim, a soul whose understanding and open-mindedness has truly left a mark on our lives.
His willingness to listen and respect diverse opinions created a space that I will forever cherish.
Rest in Peace, mate, your legacy will live on in our hearts.
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published a comment .
That was wonderful. I met Jim as a student of the ROC in Sept of '85, just prior to going to a Job in Pakistan that was to keep me there for 8 1/2 years. I visited Jim and Sharon as often as possible and on a short sabbatical from Pakistan I spent 9 days with them. I visited Jim and a friend in a hospital in Bangkok after their return from a visit to Burma. My last visit was in July with a buddy Scott S. from Tx. and I guess we all knew it was going to be our last visit. So glad I had the opportunity to visit with him again. He will be sorely missed but never forgotten. Lynn M. McFadden. Also known as Bravo Kilo. A callsign bestowed by Jim. A story for another time.
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published a tribute .
Uncle Jim, you will be missed more than you will ever know. I will miss your teaching lessons on everything. I already miss your packages in the mail. You and Travis have a lot to catch up on. See you on the other side
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