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James O'Donnell Funeral Home, Inc. - Hannibal

302 South 5th Street

Hannibal, Missouri

James O'Bryan Obituary

James "Jim" F. O'Bryan, 87, of Hannibal, MO, passed away at 4:09 PM, Saturday, October 25, 2025, at his home in Hannibal, MO. Funeral Services will be at 10:00 AM, Thursday, October 30, 2025, at James O'Donnell Funeral Home in Hannibal, MO. Pastor Mark Carpenter will officiate. Military Honors will be provided my Emmette J. Shields American Legion Post #55 at the funeral home. Private entombment will be in the Quincy Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel in Quincy, IL. Friends and Family are invited to Jim's Life Celebration at a visitation that will be from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the funeral home. Jim was born January 30, 1938, in Warren, MO, to George Lee O'Bryan and Ruth L. Brower O'Bryan. He was married to Ellen A. Stephens on July 2, 1966, in Palmyra, MO. She preceded him in death on May 21, 2015. Survivors include his two children, Dina Lynne Rhoten (Tom) of Conway, MO and Neil Paul O'Bryan (Julie) of Palmyra, MO; one sister, Sandra Weir of Rockford, IL; four grandchildren, Sarah Christine Lawrence (Christian), Dasha Jo Vanover, Shelbie O'Bryan, and Shawn O'Bryan (Emily Jeffries); four great grandchildren, Theodore James Lawrence, Mabel Jo Lawrence, Dmitri Lee Vanover, and Nash Paul O'Bryan; niece, Kelly Powers (Frank) of Wisconsin; and nephew, Tim Weir of Arizona. Jim was preceded in death by his parents. Jim proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army. Jim began his career with the Missouri Department of Transportation in 1956 when he worked part time while attending college. He retired from MODOT on May 2, 2000, as a Transportation Project Designer. Jim was an avid sports fan, whose loyalty to the St. Louis Cardinals, college basketball, and professional football was unwavering. His passion for sports was matched by his love for NASCAR, with Dale Earnhardt Sr. holding a special place in his heart. Jim and his beloved wife shared countless adventures as they traveled the country to cheer on their favorite drivers, creating memories that would last a lifetime. Traveling to the Badlands, New Mexico, and Canada with his wife, Ellen, was Jim's favorite. They embraced every journey with an excitement and adventure. Among Jim's many interests, genealogy held a particular significance. As an active member of the Northeast Missouri Genealogy Association, he dedicated countless hours to tracing family history. His research and dedication to preserving the past were testament to his profound respect for ancestry and heritage. In quieter moments, Jim enjoyed being outdoor fishing and bird watching. He also enjoyed listening to the scanner, staying in touch with the community. In his younger years, Jim enjoyed collecting stamps and had an impressive collection. Above all, Jim cherished each moment spent with his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Jim was a Christian by faith. Jim was a member of the Emmette J. Shields American Legion Post #55. Memorial contributions may be made to Douglas Community Center Food Bank. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James "Jim", please visit our floral store.

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

Published by WGEM on Oct. 28, 2025.

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Sandy Conn

October 30, 2025

As Ellen and I were sorority sisters for many years, our spouses enjoyed many fun parties and activities and Jim was always in the middle of whatever we were doing. Fond memories!

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Oct

30

Celebration of Life

9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

James O'Donnell Funeral Home, Inc.

302 S. 5th Street, Hannibal, MO 63401

Oct

30

Service

10:00 a.m.

James O'Donnell Funeral Home, Inc.

302 S. 5th Street, Hannibal, MO 63401

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James O'Donnell Funeral Home, Inc. - Hannibal

302 South 5th Street, Hannibal, MO 63401

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