Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
James O'Brien Obituary
James Daniel O'Brien
Resident of Burlingame
Nov. 10, 1939-Oct. 12, 2010
Peacefully at home on October 12, 2010. Dearly beloved husband of Gay, dear father of Shannon and Kevin (Angie) O'Brien, adored Papa to Michael and Ryan Shehadi, Isabella and Kenzie O'Brien. He was loving brother to John (Hilary) O'Brien, Suzanne (Jim) Brady, Jane (Larry) Boehle. Also survived by a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Born in Providence, RI, Jim moved to California as a young boy with parents Jim and Peg O'Brien and siblings. He grew up in San Bruno, attending St. Catherine's Elementary School, Serra High School, and San Francisco State University.
After time in the Air Force as an Airman First Class Canine Trainer, he joined the Burlingame Police Department in 1965 serving in the Special Police Detail (motorcycle) and as Director of the Canine Program. Upon retirement in 1994, Jim founded O'Brien Animal Transportation and Services (OATS), a source of many of his great stories including moving parakeets to Las Vegas, lions to Bolivia, and longhorn cattle to Germany.
Full of Irish wit and charm, Jim's many interests included golfing, boating, duck hunting, and travel. He proudly served as Commodore of the Coyote Point Yacht Club -1995 and as President of the International Pet Travel Association.
Visitation will be held at St. Catherine of Siena Church, 1310 Bayswater Ave., Burlingame, where Jim was an active member for 43 years. Hours of visitation on Friday, October 15th are 6:30-7:30pm followed by Rosary.
Mass of Christian Burial is at 11am on Saturday, October 16 with Internment at Holy Cross Cemetery in Colma. The family suggests donations to Hoofprints on the Heart, 455 Olivina Ave Livermore, CA 94551 in his memory. CROSBY-N. GRAY &
COMPANY (650) 342-6617
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James O'Brien
Michelle McElhany
December 11, 2010
Dear Gay,
He loved you dearly and completely. I am so sorry for your loss. His family was everything to him, and I'm sure that love will help through the times ahead.
I will always remember him as a great man of integrity and honesty. Quite a legacy...
Michael Lopez, San Mateo County Sheriff's Office - Retired
October 24, 2010
Dear Gay, I worked with Jim while I was with Millbrae PD and I will always remember him as a great guy and a good cop. He will be missed by all. My prayers to you and your family.
Chris Higaki
October 24, 2010
Dear Gay,
I was so sad to hear of Jim's passing. I
clearly remember the first time I met Jim.Working the last arrival late one night at the airport, I had a stranded dog that no one could help me with. Someone gave the phone number of a new service, I called and the nicest and most helpful man with a big smile came
to my rescue.Through the years I've watched your company flurish as I knew it would. We will miss Jim very much.
May God confort and embrace you during
this difficult time.-
Chris Higaki-Continental Airlines
October 22, 2010
Jim was a cops cop and I worked with him on several occassions. Great guy, knew the job well and put a lot of very bad guys in jail. My condolences to you Gay, and the rest of your family.
Terry Mackey, San Mateo County Sheriff's Office- Retired
Keith Hoffman
October 21, 2010
Dear Gay, I have fond memories of meeting Jim and Tom Chase at the Hyatt coffee shop working mids for the SO. We had many lively conversations. He was a good cop and a good man. He will be missed by all that had the pleasure of being his friend.
Best wishes and prayers to you and your family,
Keith Hoffman
Retired SMSO Sgt.
October 21, 2010
Dear Gay,
I will always look back fondly of the times OB and I spent together at K-9 training. He was a great cop and a really funny guy, who treated me as one of their own, even though I was with Hillsborough PD. My deepest condolences and prayers for you.
Chuck Langlais- Retired HPD currently living and working in Manila, Philippines.
Gil De Vincenzi
October 20, 2010
My condolences to the O'Brien family. I do remember the two-man swat car of Chase and O'Brien when I worked mid-watch and swings in SMPD. Everyone of us had an image of what a good cop was and Jim O'Brien was one of mine. Good memories will last.
Vic and Katie Voss
October 20, 2010
Dear Gay, although we did not have the pleasure of meeting you, I knew Jim from "across the road" at HPD. He was always friendly and helpful to us also. a good Peace Officer, and will be missed.
Our condolences to you in this sad time...
October 18, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss, I remember a smile even when you were on the receiving end of a ticket ! Art Gates Jr.
Susan Meek
October 17, 2010
To Jane and John et al. My heart goes out to you all for your loss. My sincere sympathy
Susan Ericksen Meek
JoAnne Fehlhaber
October 17, 2010
Gay, May the angels watch over you and guide you at this tender time. So glad I was able to spend a brief time with you. I will be here for you forever my dear friend! I know Jim was a wonderful husband and father and precious friend to all.
Buzz Dean
October 16, 2010
Irish,
I know of no man who's left a richer legacy. Friends, family, Gay, your co-conspirator in a full life, all miss you. Each of us has a favorite "Irish" story to tell - usually with a chuckle. You leave a void among us because you are loved, admired, and missed, even if you preferred Jameson's to Bushmill's :-)
Owen and B.J. Bramlett
October 16, 2010
Dear Gay,
Owen and I will always remember the party boat with the emerald green rug. Owen was honored to serve on Jim's board when he was commodore. He was taken way too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jen Gordon
October 16, 2010
My thoughts are prayers are with you during this time. May you take comfort in knowing an angel is watching over you and may the love and support of those around you give you strength in the days ahead. I will always remember Mr. O'Brien and the love and admiration you all had for him.
judi acers
October 16, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you Gay - God is with you and will give you strength and peace...
Carol Molyneux
October 15, 2010
Dear Gay, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Allow the love of your family and friends to provide comfort and support.
Carol Molyneux
Sal Menendez
October 15, 2010
"Gay, I just heard the sad news of Jim's passing. Jim was a wonderful friend. He always had a big smile and a great sense of humor. I remember when you and Jim got married. Jim encouraged me to join the Burlingame Police department as a reserve officer. He guided me through the training and during that time we became everlasting friends.
Gay, I know you are going through a rough time right now but you hang on to those wonderful memories. My god bless you and your family.
Sal Menendez
Gerry Brown
October 15, 2010
Gay, My heart and love goes out to you and the family. Jim will always be loved and remembered. Gerry Brown
October 15, 2010
Gay
I am so terribly sorry to hear of the loss of your wonderful husband.. You & the family are in my thought and prayers. May God find you peace during this hard time
Alicia Baccei
Tom Sailers
October 15, 2010
Great cop, great friend...since I met him in 1965 at Burlingame P.D. when he lived in an apartment across the street from the drug store...where Gay worked.
October 14, 2010
Jim was a good neighbor and a friend, but most of all a really great guy. His sense of humor and huge smile will always be remembered. Jeff, Joani and Greg Starkovich.
Cal Fugitt
October 14, 2010
Gay,
Your best friend and one of the nicest guys I've ever met. We'll miss you Jim.
Cal, Susan & Bonnie
October 14, 2010
Dear Gay and family,
May God bless you all. Your friend in Florida, Denise L.
October 14, 2010
Jim was taken way too soon! He loved life and his family and friends deeply, I can't ever remember him wihtout a big smile and twinkle in his eyes. Some of the best CPYC cruising times were with Jim and Gay and of course he was a great Commodore. I know he is still smiling in heaven,thanks for the memories.
God Bless, Love, Bob and Pam Carlen
Mary Beth & Bob Wheeler
October 14, 2010
What a wonderful time we all had in Alaska where we got to better know you and Gay! We shared lots of laughs and fabulous experiences, enjoying your smile and your stories. Our love to you, Gay, and your beautiful family.
October 14, 2010
Dearest Jim, your Irish eyes were always smiling. Our lives are richer for having known you. Love Bill and Sandy Anderson
October 14, 2010
Jim, you are a truly good person and wonderful friend. It is an honor to have known you! We will miss you always. Lee Stevens
October 14, 2010
Uncle Jim you will be missed so much.
Love,
Laura, Danny, Brandon, Abbey and Courtney
Mark Ozark
October 14, 2010
Jim will be greatly missed. He was kind, generous, always helpful and the best boss ever! My deepest sympathy to Gay, Shannon, Kevin and the entire family.
Judy Hallstrom
October 14, 2010
Gay and family;
I was so sorry to hear about Jim. I will be thinking of you and sending wishes for your peaceful reconcilliation with loosing such a wonderful husband and father. I recall a verse my mother shared with me at one time. "Be like the bird that pausing in flight on a branch too light, feels it give way yet sings, knowing she hath wings.
Love from
Julie Pyatt
October 14, 2010
My Dearest Jim, you always lit up the room with your beautiful smile, sweet charm and your Irish wit and humor. I am confdent you will light up the heavens with your presence and contagious smile. Please know you you are not forgotten here on earth and there are so many of us that will miss you dearly and will always share the memories and love you created. May you rest in peace - God Bless.
October 14, 2010
Jim was such a special person and will be missed so much. We will always cherish the times we spent while he and Gay were in New England. A beautiful couple who have inspired so many.
Love,
Kathy & Mike Rylant
Showing 1 - 32 of 32 results
Make a Donation
in James O'Brien's name
Memorial Events
for James O'Brien
How to support James'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
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 moreResources 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
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 moreWays to honor James 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
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
