Search by Name

Search by Name

John Stephen "Jack" O'Brien

John Stephen "Jack" O'Brien obituary

John O'Brien Obituary

O'BRIEN John Stephen "Jack" O'Brien, age 84, pass-ed away peacefully March 19, 2012 in Nashville, Tennessee. An Air Force veteran and graduate of University of Miami Florida, Jack was a popular television personality in Miami during the 1950's and 60's. Jack was one of the pioneers of local children's television, founded the Jumpin Jack's Four O'clock Club and served in numerous capacities from weather man to sportscaster. In the 1970's the O'Brien family moved to Louisiana where he was in advertising in Lafayette and New Orleans. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Deanna Briggs of Nashville, three children, Stephen and wife Cynthia O'Brien of New Orleans, Dana O'Brien Brown and husband Jay, of Miami, and Michael and Heidi O'Brien of Nashville, and eleven grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held at The Chapel, 2415 Atrium Way, Nashville, TN at 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 23 2012. The family will attend Mass (Not a Funeral Mass) at 11am on Sunday, March 25th at the St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans, LA followed by a Jazz Funeral at Jackson Square. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Alive Hospice, Nashville.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times-Picayune from Mar. 21 to Mar. 22, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for John O'Brien

Not sure what to say?





Crystal McGee

April 19, 2013

Through a game of the internet,I recieved the chance to witness a love of perpetual proportions. Something unseen and unheard in this new millenia. I became inspired...and saddened for Jack was not with Dee very long after that. I was able to see the beginning of the end. And I learned that TRUE LOVE is unconditional & lasts till death and beyond. Thank you Dee for allowing me into your life and view a love great enough to span decades... and the spiritual world. Thank you Jack for showing me that a real mans true legacy can be seen in those he leaves behind to mourn the loss of him.

Teresa Beem

April 19, 2013

Dear Jack and Dee,
Your marriage was a great visible tribute to your love. Thank you for that, the world needs to see that love and you have proven that even death cannot separate your love for each other.

John Stephen Santoro

April 17, 2013

It is always weighs heavy to let a soul return to our father. I really wished that I was blessed to have been able to know the great story of the man I carry the name of. It's uplifting to hear that his grandson also has the namesake to carry on. Carry on your greatness in heaven that you left on earth.

April 17, 2013

Dear Jack...It hardly seems a year has gone by without your smile and encouragement. I sure miss our "side trips" for lunch and coffee...but I have seen the strength of your love through your wonderful children and especially all that you gave Dee. She has grown so much even while in the pain of missing you she still makes you as proud of her as ever. I know that she has amazed herself as her steps have grown from tentative to firm. We miss you greatly Kemo Sabe...but you live always in our hearts. Bud Alley

Rocky Redd

April 17, 2013

When Jack first came into our lives he was Jumpin Jack ... I was 12 (I think). He was a "star" in my eyes. He would often take me with him, as his able assistant, on his personal appearances. It was great fun! I felt very special. Our families would get together almost every weekend (or at least it seemed that often) to play board games. Because of my young age I would play with Stephen, Dana and Michael so the "grown-ups" could play. As I got a little older I was allowed to stick around the grown-ups a little, however, when Jack would start telling jokes he had to be reminded "Rocky's here!" so he filtered them. That chant stuck around for many years. When I became an adult, Jack and I would go 'tit for tat' telling jokes - one joke would remind us of another and we could go on and on. Such fun memories. Though my kids (now 30 and almost 28) didn't know him real well, they do have fond memories of him when we visited last.

Dee, you were truly blessed to have his love for so long, and he yours.

I miss him and will miss you when you move back to Miami.

Much love, your 'sister' always,
Rocky

Sharon Russell

April 16, 2013

Dee and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Jack was the funniest guy and could always get a belly laugh out of me!
What a gift he had to lighten everyone's lives with his funny, funny clips! I so admired he and Dee's love and devotion for each other. He is missed by all!

Janice Wolf

April 16, 2013

Jack, I'm sure you and Roger are having a great time bowling , playing cards and giving everyone there a hard time. Give Roger a kiss for me, and love to both of you

Debbie Hayes

April 16, 2013

I didn't have the blessing of meeting Jack in person but I learned a lot about him through you, Dee. I know that he was an awesome human being...loving, giving and very funny...just to name a few attributes. The most important thing is that you were (and of course still are) crazy for him. He loved you like no other...and I will never forget the story of how you two met, that was so very romantic. You are an incredible woman, so happy to have had the opportunity to meet you through the internet Dee. You are so poignant, such an incredibly lovely soul...and you were blessed to have met your match and be able to spend so many lovely years together. You will be together again and that will be the day that you will once again be whole. In the mean time, just know that I love and cherish our friendship, as do so many others. You had with Jack what so many never will...and you deserved each and every moment of it! You are the matriarch of a magnificent family...the product of the love that you and Jack shared, and that is something to be so very proud of. God's blessings always.

May 27, 2012

March 20th From Lori Michelle Pena, our neice.

Dear Uncle Jack, We Love You dearly and will miss you so. Wherever you are, and whoever you may meet, keep sharing your stories and words of wisdom... Keep everyone smiling and cracking up... :,-) We who stay here for now will all feel you in every single belly laugh and we'll forever continue to share and take pride in all of who you were and your amazing gift of writing and story-telling.. And another thing for certain: Your never-ending and all-inspiring love for your (and also our) Sweet Dee... Your love for each-other was, and will always be a rock, and an indelible staple that I personally will carry with me throughout my life and marriage. It will always be a great reminder of what true love really is and how strong a bond two people can really have... I Thank you for that. Now, as far as bidding adieu, I've got to believe that this is not goodbye, it's "I'll See you later!" So, Uncle Jack, we'll see you later... ;-) We'll Love You always and we will miss and remember you always. Rest peacefully Uncle Jack ? ?

Deanna OBrien

May 17, 2012

Deanna O'Brien

I really have no words....I've lost the love of my life, my best friend, my knight in shining armor, the one that made me laugh even when I wasn't in the 'mood' to laugh. I am grateful for the almost 53 years (the 31st of this month) that we had together and though I will miss him terribly I have such beautiful memories and our wonderful family to surround me.
Thank you family and friends for your beautiful sentiments...they have touched my heart so many times these past few weeks. Thank you!? ? ?

Like · · Monday at 11:30pm near Nashville

Lori Pena

May 17, 2012

From our neice Lori, March 20th

Dear Uncle Jack, We Love You dearly and will miss you so. Wherever you are, and whoever you may meet, keep sharing your stories and words of wisdom... Keep everyone smiling and cracking up... :,-) We who stay here for now will all feel you in every single belly laugh and we'll forever continue to share and take pride in all of who you were and your amazing gift of writing and story-telling.. And another thing for certain: Your never-ending and all-inspiring love for your (and also our) Sweet Dee... Your love for each-other was, and will always be a rock, and an indelible staple that I personally will carry with me throughout my life and marriage. It will always be a great reminder of what true love really is and how strong a bond two people can really have... I Thank you for that. Now, as far as bidding adieu, I've got to believe that this is not goodbye, it's "I'll See you later!" So, Uncle Jack, we'll see you later... ;-) We'll Love You always and we will miss and remember you always. Rest peacefully Uncle Jack ? ?

Stephen Briggs

May 17, 2012

From my Brother Steve: March 20

My brother-in-law, passed away March 19. For my Floridian group, you may have seen him on TV as Jumpin Jack, Weatherman, Sportscaster, and his "crazy" TV antics as a fast talking salesman...a big void was created when he passed away. I will and do miss him. To My brother Jack

Gifford Briggs

May 17, 2012

From our Nephew Gifford:
Rest in peace JumpnJack!! My fascination with computers began in your office on a monochrome Apple ][ Thank you for all the memories! — with Jack O'Brien.

Brett Briggs

May 17, 2012

From our Nephew Brett: March 20th

We will miss you Uncle Jack. You always new how to make people laugh. You will always be in our heart. Rest in peace Uncle Jack.

Tammy Milam

May 17, 2012

Our Neice, Tammy Briggs Milam

Rest in Peace my Uncle Jack. You were a one of a kind quick witted man with a huge huge heart that loved so deeply....and you could always make me laugh. You will be missed, but you will live forever in my heart. Love you always and forever, TamTam

Erin OBrien

May 17, 2012

March 20: Our Granddaughter Erin:

Bumpa, you will be so dearly missed by all of us... I wish I would've had the opportunity to spend more time with you over these past few years. However, the few times I did get to see you will always be in my best memories. Your laugh was contagious, and I will miss laughing with you SO much. I've never seen anything like the love you and Nana shared for each other. I pray everyday that I'll be so lucky to have the kind of beautiful love and friendship that lasts forever like the two of you had. You were an amazing grandfather, and you will be greatly, greatly missed. Rest in peace, Bumpa. I love you, so much...

Meghan O'Brien

May 17, 2012

March 19th ..Our Granddaughter, Meghan:
I'm just at a loss on how I feel or what to even say. My grandfather, my Bumpa, I pray that you are at peace now... you are endeared to so many hearts and souls and have touched everyone with your talents, your intelligence, your humorous ways. Nothing you said was boring, always an entertainer at heart, always making smiles appear. Your beautiful relationship with Nanny has been inspiring and gem-like, absolutely beautiful. I could always see the love in your eyes for her, you were perfect for each other. You just radiated with happiness... I really love you. This is really hard... and my heart is sad. :(

Jessica Chilous

May 17, 2012

by Jessica Chilous, March 29th:

I prayed for you multiple times last night, my heart aches for you. Kevonte was recalling how many times Jack made him laugh in that brief time we were over there and a friend complimented the blanket you gave us and I explained how you guys so generously passed it on. I know you are feeling overwhelmed, I also know you are being comforted by SO many people, in person and here on FB, and know the Lord will sustain and lift you up in this time. I am certain Jack is giving everyone a chuckle in Heaven, just as he gave to us. Take comfort in that ?

Michael O'Brien

April 17, 2012

I miss my Dad!

Sue Ziemann

April 16, 2012

I never met Jack in person. I was one of the many thousands of children that watched his Jumpin Jack show in Miami. One day on facebook a few years ago, I wrote Jack a note telling him how much that show meant to me as a child. We formed a facebook friendship and then consequently I became facebook friends with Dee. I told Jack and Dee that I credit Jack with helping to form my sense of humor in life. And my sense of humor has gotten me thru many many tough times, and still will in the future. And I really consider this sense of humor a blessing. I remember all of the funny bits Jack used to do on his TV show like it was yesterday. As I watch them today on youtube, etc. they are just as funny to me now as they were back then. I am really glad that I got the chance to tell Jack how he affected my life. He really did appreciate it when I told him, too! I am very happy to keep a friendship with Dee because she is a very special lady.
With much love,
Sue Kaye Ziemann

Marty Stofik

April 16, 2012

Jack never lost that infectious smile and that mischievous twinkle in his eye that made everyone around him feel good. He was one of the pioneers who literally created local television out of nothing more than talent and a prop box. The universe dimmed a bit with his passing.

Tess Fry

April 16, 2012

Dee's dear husband: He was a charming man who brought such laughter and joy into many people's lives. What a wonderful "love" that he had for his precious wife. A man's respect and love for his wife is so precious and to be honored in this day and age. He modeled this love for Dee to my son-in-law which helped to inspire and create a loving husband for my Heidi. He was a man that was loved by so many. It was beautiful to watch Dee and Jack together. Just joyous love. Ed and I did not get to spend a lot of time with Jack because we met him late in our lives. Our first encounter that I can remember was at the wedding of Heidi and Michael. He was so engaged and friendly with all that were there. He always seemed so proud of Michael and his music. We have the memory of spending a breakfast with him and saw how he fought so bravely his last few months. Dear Jack, "goodbye"; thank you for being a good friend and for serving your country. Thank you for sharing your talents in your TV work. God bless you. Tess and Ed

Henry Harrell

March 24, 2012

I always looked forward to my conversations with Jack. Tonight I've discovered a wonderful obit in the Miami Herald and some pretty fantastic videos from the '60s on YouTube. What a wonderful man and a life fully lived. Our prayers are with your family. I can't think of him and not smile, but we will all miss him so much.
-- Trey Harrell, Joy, and Keshia

March 22, 2012

I am so very sorry for your loss. I know mr. Jack was a wonderful husband father and grandfather. My love and prayers always.

Gretchen Bomboy

March 22, 2012

I treasure that only a few weeks ago he prank called me and giggled like a child when I figured out who it was. There will never be another Jack. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Melissa Schehr

March 22, 2012

Jack,

Thanks for making me smile, you will be missed.

Chuck Stewart

March 22, 2012

My Dear Friend Jack,
What a wonderful life performance of love and laughter you gave to all.
Fade to black.

March 22, 2012

Dee & Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We have wonderful memories of Jack and his great humor.
Love, Ray, Joan & EJ

Philip Rothschild

March 22, 2012

Our Love goes to the entire O'Brien family in your loss

Pilot Mark

March 21, 2012

Jack,you will be missed.What a fixture you are in all of our memories of growing up in Miami.

Diane Briggs

March 21, 2012

Dee, Our hearts go out to you, Steve, Dana, Michael and your grandchildren We will all miss Jack. He was a wonderful man

Judy Ehlers

March 21, 2012

Dee & Family, How you & Jack showed us how to love New Orleans. Those times are very dear to me! My thoughts, love &prayers are with you. Judy & my Buffy...from Mobile

Showing 1 - 32 of 32 results

Make a Donation
in John O'Brien's name

Memorial Events
for John O'Brien

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor John O'Brien's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more