James Eugene "Jim" O'Brien

James Eugene O'Brien, 81 of California, MD passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 13th, at Hospice House of St. Mary's, surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born in Philadelphia, PA as the youngest of four children to Irish immigrants, John and Sarah Cecilia O'Brien. He attended St. Joseph's Preparatory and went on to earn an electrical engineering degree from Drexel University. After college, Jim worked at the Federal Communications Commission and for NAVELEX in Philadelphia. In 1969, he moved to Southern Maryland, to work for NESEA, at Webster Field in St. Inigoes. There he met his wife, Joan, and together they established a cherished family. Over the course of his 37-year career, Jim advanced from project engineer to Division Director, leading the team responsible for the exterior communications systems for the Navy's AEGIS cruisers and destroyers. He and his team were recognized for their innovative work and won numerous AEGIS Excellence Awards. His last position before retirement was Deputy Program Manager, PMW-156. In retirement, Jim and Joan enjoyed traveling together with adventures to many national parks and throughout Europe. He especially enjoyed cruising the Caribbean in the winters, though his happiest times were visits with family and friends. Jim will be remembered as a devoted family man, a beloved husband and proud father. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 55 years, Joan, his daughters Erin and Bridget, and granddaughters Meagan, McKenna and Delaney. He is also survived by his brothers AJ and Jack O'Brien, and his sister Sheila Burns, as well as many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Monday, August 25th from 5-6pm, at Brinsfield Funeral Home, in Leonardtown, MD. Prayers will immediately follow at 6pm. A memorial mass and inurnment will be held at St. John's Church in Hollywood, MD, on Tuesday, August 26th at 11am. In lieu of sending flowers, consider making a donation to St. John's Charitable Society or the Hospice House of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Condolences may be left at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com. Arrangements by Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A.