Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
James O'Brien Obituary
James Norbert O'Brien passed away peacefully at home on October 21, 2015 at the age of 86. Born in Flushing NY to Katherine and James O'Brien, Jim attended Bishop Loughlin High School in Brooklyn and graduated from the City College of New York. His lifelong career in the lumber industry began with Furman Lumber headquartered in Boston MA. In 1977, Jim and his wife Joan founded Nutmeg Forest Products, which thrives today including the third generation of O'Briens. A devout Catholic, Jim had a genuine passion for helping others. In addition to coaching golf and swimming for Special Olympics and volunteering with Operation Hope for several years, Jim served on the board of St. Catherine Academy, now known as Saint Catherine Center for Special Needs of the Diocese of Bridgeport, a school dedicated to those with special needs. Jim was active for many years in Faith Express, a program to train young individuals with special needs for the Sacraments of Communion and Confirmation. In 1987 he established the Jamie & Laura O'Brien Scholarship at Fairfield University which offers assistance to the siblings of those with special needs. Golf was another passion for Jim and he spent many hours on the golf course at Brooklawn Country Club where he forged some great friendships. Survivors include his loving wife of 60 years Joan, his three children and their families: Bill and Sue, Dan and Janice, Cathy and Tom Porter along with 9 grandchildren: Jim, Patrick, Dan, Courtney, Bob, David, Taylor and Darren O'Brien and Thomas Porter. Jim is pre-deceased by his parents, brothers Bill and Richard, sister Katherine and his granddaughter Katie O'Brien. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, October 26, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. meeting directly at St. Pius X Church, 834 Brookside Drive, Fairfield. Interment will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call Sunday from 4-7 p.m. in the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Catherine Center for Special Needs, 760 Tahmore Drive Fairfield CT 06825. For information or to sign an online guest register please visit www.SpearMillerFuneralHome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James O'Brien
Waska Management
October 22, 2015
We are deeply saddened by your loss, our hearts go out to you and your loved ones. Our sincere condolences.
Steve Knauss
October 23, 2015
From my family to the O'Brien family our prayers are with all of you. We hope you find peace and love in this time. God bless you.
Mike Moeser
October 28, 2015
Our sincere condolences and prayers are with the entire O'Brien family at this time. Mike, Monica & Max Moeser
Marlene P Kirkpatrick
October 22, 2015
My prayers and thoughts to the O'Brien Family. My heart goes out to you all, for your loss.
stephen neville
October 26, 2015
I have dealt with Jim for many years before i left CT. He was always a class act . He will be missed.
Dr. Frank Olah
October 24, 2015
As a past president of Fairfield University's PKT Fraternal Organization, I am sure that I speak for our brotherhood in extending our sympathy at Jim's passing. He helped a small group of Fairfield undergraduates organize and then operate our brotherhood for many years. Brother Jim, rest in God's love.
The Staff of Spear-Miller Funeral Home
October 23, 2015
Offering our deepest condolences during this time.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 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
