Search by Name

Search by Name

James O'Reilly Obituary

James "Jim" O'Reilly

James "Jim" O'Reilly dedicated husband, father, grandpa and friend of many passed on April 21, 2025 at the age of 80 in Mesa AZ.

Jim was born to Pat and Arlene O'Reilly in Lewistown, MT the oldest son of this large, Irish Catholic family that resided in Roy, MT. Jim had many stories of shoveling coal, milking the cows and hauling water to the house. While a Jr. in high school he moved to Lewistown, MT to live with his beloved grandparents.

Jim attended and graduated St. Leo's high school where he met his wife of 60 years Sharon Pipinich O'Reilly. Somehow, he managed to marry the kindest, prettiest and smartest girl in Lewistown. She always said there was never a dull moment with Jim in her life, his quick wit always made her smile. They welcomed and raised a daughter Tracey and son Keith.

We all have a sad story. We either make it your excuse or use it as motivation, Jim lived by these words. He had no room for excuses. Jim had a deep-seeded determination to succeed. He prided himself on being up at the crack of dawn and working until it was dark, failure wasn't an option. If you do a job give it your best or don't do it at all. He practiced what he preached and led by example. Jim found great purpose sharing in the successes, joys and challenges of those around him.

His proudest accomplishment was his family. Jim was authentically and wholeheartedly there for those in his life.

Throughout the years he enjoyed his cars, horses, motorcycles, tractors, grandkids and dogs. He loved telling stories about his long sales career with Snap on Tools and the many awards he earned. Many customers and colleagues state and nation wide became his life-long friends and marveled at his ideas on how to improve almost any situation.

He would have been the first to tell you he had an amazing life. Cheers Jim, we can't thank you enough for being the husband, father, brother, uncle, grandpa and friend that everyone should have the pleasure of knowing. Heaven has gained a Montana Cowboy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Douglas, Mike and Ed Brooks; sisters Patti, Kathy and Barbara.

He is survived by the love of his life Sharon; Tracey and Keith (Debby) O'Reilly; grandchildren Hayden (Brooke) Haft, Margo (Charles) Peterson; Payton, Callahan, McCade, and Kennedy O'Reilly; brothers John (Nancy), Tom (Maureen), Tim (Beth); sisters Mary Satterfield and Theresa Desmarais; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A Celebration of life will be held in Montana in the near future. Our family is grateful for all your kindness and support.

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

Published by Missoulian on May 10, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for James O'Reilly

Not sure what to say?





2 Entries

Dennis McEwen

May 13, 2025

Sharon and family, I am sad to hear of Jim's passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Pres Smeltzer

May 13, 2025

Sharon and the O’Reilly family, I was deeply saddened to learn of Jim’s passing. I cherish many fond memories of the relatively short time we spent as high school classmates. Jim’s remarkable enthusiasm, unwavering optimism, determination and ambition were evident even then and made him a pleasure to be around.

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results

Make a Donation
in James O'Reilly's name

Memorial Events
for James O'Reilly

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
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
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James O'Reilly'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