James Melvin O'Brien Jr.

James Melvin O'Brien, Jr., 79, of Bristol, passed away on Wednesday. February 4, 2026 at home surrounded by family. He was born on March 26, 1946 in Waterbury, son of the late James M. and Minnie (Brandt) O'Brien, Sr.

James was the loving husband of Johanna (Carnein) O'Brien for 53years. He was a devoted father who found joy in family time and cheering on his favorite teams-the New York Mets, New York Giants, UConn athletics, the Hartford Whalers, and the Hartford Wolf Pack. Known for his loyalty, strong opinions, and his firm rule against double dipping!

He believed that a proper tailgate wasn't complete without a Jäger Bomb (or two), a tradition he upheld with enthusiasm and an ear to ear grin. He will be remembered with love, laughter, and smiles.

The family is deeply grateful to the teams at Forestville Dialysis Center and Bristol Home Care and Hospice for their compassion, support, and care during this time.

Besides his wife, Johanna, James is survived by his sons James M. O'Brien, III of Bristol, Jeffrey O'Brien and his wife Julie of Southington; daughter Jennifer Degrave and her husband Christopher of Harwinton; grandchildren Bradley White, Fiona O'Brien, Isla O'Brien, Cameron Degrave; sister Maureen Hogan and her husband Richard of Wolcott; mother-in-law Mary Carnein of Bristol and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, James is predeceased by his siblings Dorothy Sokolik, Bernice Kellogg and Thomas Mahony.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at O'Brien Funeral Home, 24 Lincoln Ave., Bristol starting at 9:30AM until a procession will begin for an 11AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Matthew Church, 120 Church Ave. Burial and military honors will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Bristol.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either the Fresenius Medical Care Foundation: FMCNA.com/donate or the Bristol Home Care & Hospice, BHCHA P.O. Box 977 Bristol, CT 06011.