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BORN
1925
DIED
2017
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James O'Brien Obituary
James Lavern O'Brien "Jim", 92 of Toledo, Ohio passed away Saturday, September 16, 2017. Jim was born to Rose Anna and Ralph O'Brien from Willard, Ohio on August 29, 1925. His family relocated to East Toledo at the age of four. Jim attended East Side Central and Waite High School.
At eighteen years of age, he joined the Army and served in WWII. Jim was assigned to the 661st Tank Destroyers as a driver, gunner and commander. He fought courageously in Normandy, France, Belgium (the Battle of the Bulge). Germany was among the first to meet the Russians at the Polish border to end WWII in Europe.
After serving in the war, Jim was employed by Gallagher Cleaners where his late wife, Margaret (Milano) O'Brien, former owner of Margaret O'Brien Modeling Agency, worked as well. During the streetcar strike, Jim was asked to pick Margaret up for work one day. Shortly after, Jim asked her out for a date and the rest was history. James and Margaret were later married on April 10, 1948. Together, they lead a happy and fulfilling life. Unfortunately, Margaret passed away on December 6, 2015 after 67 years of marriage. She truly was the love of his life.
Jim was also employed for 30 years as a pattern maker for LOF (Libbey Owens Ford).
Jim enjoyed spending time with family, bowling, playing cards, and periodically taking trips up to the Detroit casino. Jim also enjoyed being a shriner. He was a 32nd degree Mason and member of the Zenobia Shine Jeepster unit.
James was fortunate to have and survived by two loving and caring sons, James O'Brien and Kelly Thomas O'Brien (Leslie). Jim also has seven loving grandchildren, Jimmy (Adrienne), Mike (Sarah), Danny (Karen), Kelly (Danielle), Chalie, Spencer, and Maggie.
Visitation will be held at Ansberg-West Funeral Home, 3000 West Sylvania, Avenue on Monday, September 18 from 4-8 p.m. A funeral service will be held to celebrate James's life Tuesday, September 19 beginning at 11 a.m. at the funeral home and will be followed by a graveside service at Toledo Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Caleb International Ministeries 2580 Blossom Lane, New Castle, Pennsylvania, 16105. To send his family online condolences, please visit
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3 Entries
Larry Joseph
September 11, 2021
Jim & Margaret were both good friends to my family an I. Knew them for many years but lost track of them in recent years. Very close to Margaret as well. RIP both of you, try seeing you when I visit my step- grandmother close by you both! RIP
September 18, 2017
Will miss "Uncle Bud" as we used to call him. Now he is with Aunt Dolly. The two of them were so cute together, especially in later years. Enjoyed meeting them for dinner at Eddie Lee's Restaurant, then we'd drive across the street to pick up donuts to take home. Wonderful couple who enjoyed life.
Love,
Susie
Larry Joseph
September 18, 2017
Many years of friendship with both Margaret and Jim years ago. Both were great friends but lost track of them. Remembering the good times with Jim, they were inseparable even then. Sad there both gone now.
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