Search by Name

Search by Name

James O'Brien Obituary

James Linden O'Brien 1929 ~ 2008 James Linden O' Brien, age 78, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend passed away at home Wednesday, November 12, 2008. He was born December 5, 1929, to Linden James O' Brien and Minnie Ellen Butcher. Dad served his country valiantly in the US Navy for four years. We are proud and grateful for the duty he performed. He learned the construction trade from his father and built a successful company, L.J. O' Brien and Son. Dad was no stranger to hard work. No matter where in the SL Valley we traveled Dad would always comment on the history of the area and his contribution/improvement to it. Dad married his sweetheart, Fay Jensen on August 30, 1950. Sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. His greatest accomplishment came as his role as husband, father and patriarch to his family. He loved his family and enjoyed being with them. He developed special relationships with each of his grandchildren attending ball games, hunting, boating and working in the yard. Dad enjoyed life and its many opportunities. He enjoyed making people laugh with his unique sense of humor. He enjoyed boating, going to Lake Powell, golfing, hunting, camping and family parties. He is survived by his wife, Fay and children: Jackie (Darwin) Powell, Connie (Bob) Jensen, Jaymi (Glenn) Webb, Marianne (Bobby) Wheaton and Nicole (Brendan) Seal, 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Both his parents, sister Irene and son-in-law Darwin preceded him in death. An open house will be held Monday, November 17, 2008 at the LDS Holladay 10th Ward, 4601 South 2565 East from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm where family and friends may call.

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

Published by Deseret News from Nov. 15 to Nov. 16, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for James O'Brien

Not sure what to say?





Kay Holt Thomas

November 17, 2008

Dear Sweet Fay, Marianne and Family,
My deepest sympathies are with your most tender feelings at this time for the loss of a wonderful husband, dad and friend. I will always remember the "twinkle in his eyes." You know, like he was up to something and you just wanted to find out what it was. Jim always made me feel so important when I would come over to spend time with Marianne. I remember John Wayne was one of his favorite heroes. Jim favored him. More importantly his family was "his real life heroes." So many fond memories. How could you not love a dad that gave his daughter a black Trans AM for Christmas or was it your 16th birthday? We are all better for knowing Jim. He will be missed. Earth hath no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. May you find peace and strength in our Savior to move forward with faith.

Robert Brinkerhoff

November 17, 2008

Dear Fay, Jackie, Connie, Marianne & Nicole- I was saddened yesterday to learn of Jim's passing. The thoughts and prayers of the Brinkerhoff family are with you at this time of great loss. Our family was greatly blessed by having such wonderful neighbors. Many years have passed by and we will always remember Jm with love and respect.

Tammy Morgan

November 17, 2008

Dear O'Brien Family,
I was very saddened to find out about Jim's passing. I remember many wonderful years as I grew up, playing with Jaymi, and just enjoying your Mom and Dad's company. He is a great man, and will be missed. I'm sorry I can't attend the open house - please know my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I love all of you! Tammy "Eves" Morgan

Stephy harrison

November 17, 2008

Jaymi.....God Bless you and your family....Our prayers and heart felt thoughts are with you all....Scott and Stephy Harrison

Mary Wade

November 16, 2008

Jaymi,
Although we haven't spoken
in several years I wanted to offer my
condolences on your fathers
passing. I had the opportunity to meet your father a few times. He was a great guy. He had a great sense of humor. I'm sure he will be
missed by his family and friends. My
thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.

Jan Williams

November 16, 2008

Marianne, It sounds like you are alot like your Dad...at least you had him for the 78 yrs...and if someone is sick, they are definitely better off in heaven...which is where he is, no doubt. You and your family are in my thoughts and my prayers..Gods Peace to you all.....Jan Williams (Southwest Airlines).

Julie (Wixom) Del Vecchio

November 15, 2008

I'm so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He always looked out for me, a neighborhood kid and friend of Marianne's. He was generous with his time and money and just a plain nice guy. I've thought of him many times over the years and how he made a positive impact on my life.

Janice Ray

November 15, 2008

Dear Marianne. I was saddened to hear of your loss. I only met your dad one time, but was taken with his personality and sense of humor. Your many happy memories will bring you comfort.
My deepest condolences are with you at this time.

Lisa Rosvall

November 15, 2008

My grandpa was a wonderful man, and we all miss him greatly. Grandpa was always there to support and love anyone in his family. I can't count the times that he stepped into my life to help guide and direct me. He was wonderful to his great-grandchildren and is missed by them.

Grandpa, finally your pain is gone and you are reunited with part of your family. While you rejoyce with them, your family on earth mourns your loss. My you finally find the rest we know you have needed for some time. I will always love you and remember all that you did for me. Grandpa rest in peace and know you are not forgotten!!!

Sharleen Heard

November 15, 2008

Faye
Sorry to hear of the passing of your husband. It has been years sinse I have seen you. May the Lord be with you and your family at this time of sorrow.

Sharleen (Peterson) Heard

Grandpa and Clay

November 15, 2008

Grandpa and Grandma with Sean

November 15, 2008

Bob Wheaton

November 15, 2008

I knew Jim by meeting and marrying his daughter Marianne. I always had a great time whenever I was in Jim's company. He was always fun and quick with the humorous comment. He always had great stories as well. I loved Jim and will certainly miss him.

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results

Make a Donation
in James O'Brien's name

Memorial Events
for James 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 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
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
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
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
Ways 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
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