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James O'Brien Obituary
James (Jim) Edward O'Brien, age 65, a lifetime resident of Lafayette, fell off the twig on May 25, 2015. Living on with his memories are his wife, Bridget FitzSimons O'Brien; his children, Leif O'Brien (Amanda), Keavy West (Ryan), Jessica Malher (Joshua), Jamie Pauley (Aaron), Justin Hensley, and Joshua Hensley (Heather); and grandchildren, Demitri, Jade, Zachariah, Jacob, Reed, Lyric, Logan, Eris, Noah, Ryne, Peyton, Zachary, and Gabriel.
Jim was one of nine children born to Michael F. O'Brien III and Margaret A. Smith O'Brien Thornbrough. He proudly served his country in Vietnam. He was a lifetime member and Past Commander of the American Legion. He was a lifetime member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and Vietnam Veterans of America. Additionally, Jim was a member of 40 et 8, Knights of Columbus and an active member of Navy Club Ship 12.
Music was a life-long passion for Jim. He was an accomplished guitar player and vocalist. His talents began to shine through during his high school music career at Jefferson High School. Some of his many interests included dancing, golf, recreational camping, and cruising on his golf cart with Bridget and his best friends, Gary and DeeDee.
However he was known, whether as a husband, father, brother, grandfather, or friend; there can be no doubt that Jim's legacy will leave an indelible mark on those who knew him. He was a man of large, loudly expressed opinions, deeply held convictions, and an uncontainable love for life. He commanded attention whenever he spoke, yet could listen to others without reproach.
Jim O'Brien was a man's man: a rarified treasure of an age long gone by...and perhaps never to return again. Words cannot express the loss his friends and family will feel, but his memory will remain.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Lafayette Cancer Care, Unity Place.
Visitation will be from 5:00 until 8:00 pm on Thursday, May 28 at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd. Lafayette. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 1:30 pm on Friday, May 29 at St. Ann Catholic Church at 612 Wabash Ave., Lafayette, with Fr. David L. Rasner officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery.
You may sign the guest book or leave memories at www.soller-baker.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James O'Brien
Jackie Weger
May 30, 2015
I'm so very sorry for your lost. Jim was such a great guy. Bridget I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Charlene Kuhn
May 29, 2015
Bridget,
So sorry for your loss. With thoughts and prayers-
Alex (Ike) Thornbrough
May 28, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers to the whole family. The O'Brien clan embraced my father like he was their own. Pops truly cared for them all. Our deepest condolences,
Bee Reagan
May 28, 2015
My thoughts and Prayers are with you all!
Bee Reagan (Terry)
Dave and Cindy Roberts
May 28, 2015
Our deepest sympathy to the family
Connie Jo Walker
May 28, 2015
RIP My friend. Your going to be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved you. Loved doing Karaoke with you.
Carolyn Minniear
May 27, 2015
Bridget & family, you have my deepest sympathy. Please know that you are in my thoughts & prayers.
May 27, 2015
Our deepest sympathy to Bridget and their children and family.
Bud andl Lois Dawson.
Port Richey Fl.
Celeste O'Brien-Hackerd
May 27, 2015
He was the best!
Connie Baker
May 27, 2015
Bridget and the O'Brien family, I am so sorry to hear about Jim. My prayers and thoughts are with you, he was a great guy. Always with a smile on his face and always very friendly. RIP Jim
Barbara Lazzara
May 27, 2015
My prayers are with your kids and grandkids at this time. But I especially will be praying for you because you have lost your life partner and a piece of you heart. Healing takes time and go at your own pace find happiness in all the grandkids faces. Also know that one day you and Jim will be reunited forever. Love you Barbara Lazzara
colleen Dill
May 27, 2015
Bridget, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. May you find peace and comfort in your broken heart. Sweet Jesus will hold on to you during your most painful time. I know from experience.
Colleen Schilling Dill
Jacque Keener
May 27, 2015
O'Brien Family:
It was a joy to work with your husband/father at GTE. We had great conversation and laughs. He will be missed. Bless all of you.
Rick Basham
May 27, 2015
To the O'Brien family, I'm sorry for your loss. Jim was a great guy.
Barbara Worrel - Metzger
May 27, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with the O'Brien family at this time. I have known Jim since we were in grade school and also worked with him at GTE. I would always run into him at the 40&8 when we came back to Lafayette for a visit. I will miss him dearly, he was one great person.
Gailen Wagoner
May 27, 2015
I was so so very sorry to hear this. Bridget and family, please accept my sincere condolences. Jim was a great guy.
May 27, 2015
jim will be sadly missed, a very nice person to every one.known jim for many years. from maggie ledman and dick martin from legion post 11
May 27, 2015
Our deepest sympathy to Bridget, their children, and family members. Floyd and Sue Bailey
Tom and Teresa Boehle
May 27, 2015
Jim was a true friend that will be missed by all those who knew him.
ALLEN BRAWNER
May 27, 2015
BRIDGET AND FAMILY SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.I AM GONNA MISS TALKING TO JIM AND OUR FRIENDSHIP WE SHARED. WHAT I LIKE ABOUT JIM WAS HE ALWAYS TOLD IT LIKE IT IS AND USED TO BE, I LOVED THAT IN HIM, WILL SURE MISS THE BIG MAN. HE AND J.R. CAN NOW CARRY ON. ALLEN
Bob and Paula Dalton
May 27, 2015
Our prayers and sympathy to Bridget and all the O'Brien family with the passing of Jim.
WILLIAM PLATT
May 27, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Mark Posey
May 27, 2015
The Lafayette community has lost one of the "good guys." Jim will not only be missed by his family but also by his many friends in our community. He was a special person and a good friend.
Bob Page
May 26, 2015
Praying for peace and blessings to the O'Brien family. RIP!
Don, Tommie and Cody. Hegg
May 26, 2015
Our words can bring only slight comfort, when your grief is so great, but we want you to know that we extend our deepest sympathy.You shall not be forgetten.
Beth Plantenga
May 26, 2015
Prayers sent up for Bridget and family. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Rose & Ted Rigdon
May 26, 2015
Our deepest thoughts & prayers to Bridget & all of the O'Brien family..you will be missed Jim..RIP
Alice Anderson
May 26, 2015
My condolences to Bridget and family at the passing of Jim...my thoughts and prayers are with you...may his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace...
May 26, 2015
May your journy continue on in peace.
Bob Dickson ( Garden Valley,Id.)
Marcia Foster
May 26, 2015
Dear friend...You may be gone from this earth but you will never be forgotten in my heart.
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the whole O'Brien family.
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Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc. – Lafayette Chapel400 Twyckenham Blvd., Lafayette, IN 47909-7113
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