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BORN
1941
DIED
2022
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James O'Brien Obituary
James Arthur O'Brien, of Fort Myers, FL, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on August 30th, 2022. Jim was born on August 4, 1941 in Toledo, Ohio to Arthur and Helen O'Brien. At an early age, Jim developed a love for the water and spent many summers at the lake. There he learned to waterski and was a founding member of the Devil's Lake Ski Club. He took great pride in teaching others how to ski for the first time. After graduating from Addison High School, Jim attended Ferris State University. Shortly after, he married Patricia Townsend and together they raised two children. He was the owner of O'Brien's Air Conditioning & Refrigeration in Toledo for 25 years, which his son Scott now operates. Jim moved to Florida 20 years ago to escape the cold Toledo winters. In Florida, he was a dealer for Skeet'r Beat'r garage door screens.
Jim leaves behind a legacy of a strong work ethic and a knack for having fun. Throughout his life, when not working or doing home improvement projects, he enjoyed boating on Lake Erie, swimming, cooking his famous O'Brien BBQ ribs and entertaining family and friends.
Jim is survived by his loving spouse, Carolyn Ballard; his children, Scott O'Brien (Angie) and Tracy Bennett; stepdaughter, Kimberly McKinley (Harley); grandchildren, Nick Richmond, Madison O'Brien, Kyle Bennett, Archie and Jane McKinley. He was preceded in death by his sister, Marilyn Arbaugh.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hope Hospice, 27200 Imperial Parkway, Bonita Springs, FL, 34135.
To sign Jim's guest register or to leave online condolences, please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com.
Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home, Family Owned and Operated since 1978.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James O'Brien
Sponsored by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home.
1 Entry
Tom Fry
September 17, 2022
God will be having a good laugh with Jim with him. Rest In Peace Jim. You will be nearly missed. Prayers to the family.
Tom Fry Fry HVAC
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