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James O'Brien Obituary
"For the seven years I've known him, we've basically done nothing but be at home together," Lisanne MacKenzie said of James P. O'Brien Jr. "There were two children in the house, babies when he moved in, and we live really modestly in a three-room apartment. We don't have a country house, he doesn't golf, he was totally normal: come home from work, hang out in the house, do nothing, watch TV, hang out with the kids on the weekend."
Their first child together, Aiden, was five weeks old on Sept. 11.
Mr. O'Brien, 33, started out in the mailroom of Cantor Fitzgerald when he was 22, but soon moved up to become a bond broker.
"He was very disciplined," she said. "He walks into the house at 6:10 on the dot, and was up every morning at the same time. He was very structured with his time."
And every evening, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., he would take the couple's Rhodesian ridgeback, Roadie, known as the Road Dog, for walks in Prospect Park, near their home in Park Slope, Brooklyn, where he grew up.
"The dog cried every single night, all night long, for two weeks after this happened," Ms. MacKenzie said. "The dog was very attached to him."
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Kathleen Henry
September 19, 2019
My sweet baby James your baby Aiden is now 6ft 1in tall and he looks quite a lot like you. Most of all he has your sense of humor, kind heart and a sense of calm in the storm. Just like you. He really is beautiful inside and out just like you. Hug Papa and Annie for us. Until we meet again. Maybe then the hole in my heart will finally be filled in.
Diane Gannon
September 10, 2019
Still miss my dear compassionate and kind friend. It's hard to believe it's been 18 years since we lost you. I can only hope that you and "Big Al" and our other dearly departed friends are together at peace and tranquility. You will never be forgotten.
A.L.
July 31, 2019
Gone too soon. My condolences to James' family and friends.
Jill Letourneau
January 2, 2019
Peace be with you.
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Hildi Chinigo
January 1, 2019
I just read this on Facebook
I am so sorry for your loss ,I hope your child and your family are doing ok ,i know from your loved ones picture he was special
I grew up in NJ and my youngest son was 5 months old on 9/11
I will never forget that day
The Kindred Family
December 7, 2018
We send our continued deep thoughts of sympathy for your loss. There aren't any words that will ever remove the pain but may these words show that others still do care even though much time has passed. Daily may God give the strength needed to cope. Jim is still missed by many.
Jill Diehl
September 12, 2018
Thinking of you and your family. May God bless you all.
Cousin Jill
Aiden & Mom
Kathleen Roman
September 11, 2018
S j. Friscia III
August 6, 2015
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
Kathleen Henry
September 13, 2014
Another year has passed since the evil took your beautiful smile and wry sense of humor. The world lost a great guy but I lost everything that I loved that day. There will always be a hole in my life. Your heartbroken mother.
Tony & Laurie Ferrara
September 11, 2012
You couldn't have known such evil intent as your heart was pure. We will always light a candle in honor of you. RIP! Tony & I will never forget. God bless you and your family always.
Michelle Tomczyk
September 11, 2011
At age 15 I was the one who created a square for you in the united in memory 9/11 quilt. I did not know you and do not know your family. I picked your name from a long list of victims. I hope that your family has been able to view the square and quilts in person, and I hope that in any little way it helped commemerate your life. My thoughts are with your family today.
http://www.unitedinmemory.net/
Joelle Clark
September 29, 2010
I cannot imagine the depth of your loss. What a beautiful man...
Jill Diehl
September 11, 2009
My little cousin Jimmy...I used to see you once in a blue moon in Brooklyn when my mom MaryLou would visit your grandfather Uncle Richard and Aunt Anne...and your mom Kathleen...I'm so sorry you are not here to raise little Aidan...he looked just like you and Uncle Richard at your memorial service. Everyone misses you! Love always, and best wishes and heartfelt condolences to your mom, grandmom, and Lisanne...your cousin Jill (Letourneau). May God bless you and keep you forever.
jen
September 10, 2009
I miss you so much. I wish I got the late calls from you. LOL Not one day goes by without thinking of the lose i stuff by losing my best friend O'b. Hope your having fun with tow and joann. Until we meet again.
Kathy (Mom) Henry
September 7, 2009
What can I say about Jimmy. When I picked up the phone and heard "Hi Mommasan what going on?" my heart would always smile. Listening to you at work with a phone in each ear making trades gave me such a rush of love for you. Knowing what a beautiful and responsible man I had raised. Your heart was always such a vast space to fit everyone into. I miss you with every breath. I will see you and Papa in Heaven. But not soon enough. Sleep in peace my "Sweet Baby James."
James O'Brien
June 19, 2008
This is going to sound weird, but my name is also James P. O'Brien. A common name, no doubt, but I was also in the WTC on Sept. 11th. When the index of names first appeared, I was very surprised to see that there was another James P. O'Brien who was victimized in that terrible event. Fortunately I was able to make a safe escape on that day, but the anguish that my family felt between the time this occurred and when I was next able to contact them, gives me some insight into the terrible pain of your loss. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions and God Bless you all.
Sincerely,
James Phillip O'Brien
Jim Duffy
March 25, 2007
I knew Jimmy a long time ago. HIs father and my Unlce are brothers. I met Jimmy from time to time when I would be in Brooklyn visiting my Aunt and Unlce in Park Slope. Jimmy wasn't always there but when he was since there would be 3 Jimmy's around he was middle Jimmy and I was little Jimmy. Since hearing of his lost I've returned to NYC several times. I visit ground zero to pay my respects. Each time I go to ground zero I wear my uniform. All those lost that day are remember. He isn't forgotten nor will he. God Bless.
rosemary clark delacruz
February 23, 2007
Dear Lisanne
I knew you when you were a child and just came accross this. I am so sorry.
Rosie
P Tabbernor
January 18, 2007
In remembrance....
Kristine
November 22, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
jennifer
September 10, 2006
Well Jimmy it is now five years that has gone bye. I think back at our freindship and realize that you were the brother I never had. I miss the train rides with you and tow, coffee breaks with you and tow or running upstairs to windows for a drink.I wish we all can be together as one happy family at cantor. I pray everyday for Lisa and the kids. I hope your at rest now. Until we meet again.
Love,
Jennifer
Greg and his 5year old daughter Carson Olive Connors
Greg Connors
August 30, 2005
I may be too late to sign this. Lisanne and Jim were my favorite couple. Jim was in his own way very normal as the caption says, except that He was solid, consistant & morally uncorrupt(but only human of course). These were elements unique to me at the time in my life and to this day somewhat. I always think of him when I can't decide what I should do. I really miss the guy.
PAUL GEIGER
March 2, 2005
LISANNE,
I HAD A FRIEND YEARS AGO, IN BROOKLYN, THAT I LOST TRACK OF. SHE WAS AN EXTRAORDINARY PERSON. HER NAME WAS LISANNE MACKENZIE. SHE AND HER MOM HAD A SHOE STORE ON 7TH AVE. I CAME ACROSS THIS TRIBUTE SITE QUITE BY ACCIDENT, AND WAS SHOCKED TO SEE THE NAME. WHETHER YOU ARE THE PERSON I ONCE KNEW, OR SOMEONE I’VE NEVER MET, I WANT YOU TO KNOW HOW TERRIBLY SORRY I AM FOR YOUR LOSS. I HOPE THAT JIM’S MEMORY WILL PROVIDE A SOURCE OF LOVE AND STRENGTH FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN. AS YOU TURN BACK TO LIFE, KNOW THAT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE, AND ALWAYS WILL BE, IN MY THOUGHTS. PAUL
Stacie & Cindy
September 11, 2003
Lisanne:
We think about you all the time, especially today. We say prayers for you and your beautiful children, and just want you to know that you are always in our thoughts.
Sending you strength and love....Stacie & Cindy
April Darcy
September 11, 2003
I'll never forget when we were kids and would run around and play at one of our many Aunt's parties and BBQ's. He was a great kid who always stood up to an older cousin to protect me from his bullying. Even then, at that age, he was a hero. He always will be one to me. God Bless you James.
Steven Carrano
October 30, 2002
I went to high school with james and shared some fun times with him.We weren't great friends but he made a meaningful impression that will last a lifetime. God bless you and your family.
Betsy Rene-Zetterstrom
September 17, 2002
Just want you to know - That those we truly love are not gone, they are just away, you will be united again. It's time to let joy return to you and yours, at least just a little at a time; Jim would want this for all of you.
John (Jumbo) Shepley
September 11, 2002
It has been one year since our grief for OB was created. Lisanne lost her soulmate, the kids lost a father and we all lost a friend: but for the rest of our lives we have a guardian angel looking over our shoulder and guiding us along the way. Someday I will see Jimmy again and I will thank him for helping me when I needed an extra hand. If you knew Jimmy then you know he has your back...
Clelia (Amari) Fry
September 6, 2002
Lisanne,
I am devastated by your loss. Words simply cannot express....
Please take care of yourself and cherish those beautiful children of yours. Your life is that much more precious now, especially to Aiden.
Please know that you and your children remain in my thoughts and prayers.
elia roselle
May 20, 2002
I guess you could say "Jhimmy" as I called him went up the ranks together at Cantor. I taught him how to type when he came out onto the floor, and I really scared the heck out of him! We usually went out 2 times a week, and he was a great friend. I'll never forget Jim, and please. keep an eye on Cathy LoGuidice up there.
Angie Campbell
May 7, 2002
May God Bless you and watch over the ones that you left behind that horrible day last September.
March 17, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS WONDERFUL MAN...JAMES P.OBRIEN AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..MAY JESUS AND ST.JAMES GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
anthony maiorella
February 6, 2002
i never met jim but i was told he was a wonderfull person, i guess this is just gods way. uncle tony
Jumbo Shepley
December 19, 2001
OB-I will miss how we could give each other a hard time. We always had to out do each other. I will miss you and the trouble we would find when you came out to Chicago. Feldman misses you also. I have to take up the slack you left keeping him happy. It is good to know that when I join you up there that you put in a good word with the boss.
Teresa Jahn
December 17, 2001
We are very sorry for your loss of James. May his life and love live on through his loved ones. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Susan Craig
November 21, 2001
Jim was such a nice guy--I knew him from walking my dog in the Nethermeade. We will all miss him very much.
Allison Thompson
November 16, 2001
He's missed.
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