Doctor James Dalton O'Brien

James O'Brien Obituary

Doctor James Dalton O'Brien Doctor James Dalton O'Brien, of Hilton Head Island, SC, formerly of Grand Rapids Michigan, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2012, at 83 years of age. Doctor O'Brien graduated from Marquette University Medical School in 1954. He served as an Army Lieutenant, stationed at Camp Pendleton and the Michigan National Guard from 1954-1968. Doctor O'Brien is remembered fondly by his many patients as providing loving care for their families. He established a private, family medical practice on Leonard Street on the west side of Grand Rapids, with Dr Jerry Mankiewicz 1957-1972. He was the staff physician for Kent Community Hospital for 22 years, retiring in 1994. Doctor Jim O'Brien, an Eagle Scout, loved God's great outdoors. The O'Brien family had many adventures exploring Michigan's campgrounds with the National Campers and Hiker's Association. Later, "Doc" and his wife Irene, enjoyed traveling, following their kids around the US and abroad. The O'Brien's traveled to Dublin Ireland, the Island of Martinique, Spain, Anchorage AK and Glasgow, Scotland. Dad loved telling a good story, a funny joke and music. He played in the Catholic Central marching band, class of 46. These many gifts were shared and passed on to his 6 kids and 9 grandkids. Our Dad lived his life in communion with God, as a faithful father, with love and a sense of humor for the children, grandchildren, nephews, nieces and cousins of the O'Brien, Zahm, Walker, Manning & Middleton families. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Irene and children, Jim (Dawn) O'Brien, Maggie (Charlie) Fagan, Kevin O'Brien, Therese (Christopher) Dickey, Jean (Joseph) Drake, 9 grandchildren and 1 great grand child. He was preceded in death by a daughter "Suzi" O'Brien, his father James Dalton O'Brien, Sr. mother, Della O'Brien, and brother, Robert O'Brien. The O'Brien family will make a donation to the American Heart Association in memory of Doctor Jim O'Brien. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday October 5, 2012, at 11:00 AM, at Holy Family Catholic Church, with a reception to follow at The Seabrook. Cards and donations can be sent to Maggie Fagan #2 Buckfield Lane, Hilton Head Island 29928. The Island Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements. www.theislandfuneralhome.com.

Published by The Island Packet from Oct. 3 to Nov. 3, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
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4 Entries

Always calm, set the right example, gave so much to others…

patrick obrien

October 8, 2012

"Pappa Doc" and "Grandpa Doc" will be greatly missed by friends near and far. We celebrated his life and shared many wonderful memories this past weekend when family gathered in Hilton Head to pay their respects. He was a wonderful man and father

Maggie fagan

October 8, 2012

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

American Heart Association

October 6, 2012

We will always remember Doc as a happy hunter on Drummond Island. He was a wonderful example of a life well lived and we will always remember him fondly. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you, and we hope your memories will carry you through.

Terry & Ruth Navitskas

October 2, 2012

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