James Hohlfeld

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.