James Gerald O'Brien |
| Posted 2009-08-09 by Pat Wilson |
| The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona July 10, 2008 James Gerald O'Brien, 73, of Scottsdale Arizona (formerly of Chicago), passed away July 7, 2008 in hospice after a brief battle with cancer. Born October 5, 1934 in Hamilton, Ohio, Jim was the much-loved son of Virginia and Harold O'Brien and revered older brother to sister Harolyn (dec.1957). Raised and educated in Ohio and Indiana, Jim was an alumna of Jefferson High School, Purdue and Loyola Universities. He was a member of the US Air Force serving during the Korean War, a long-time Little League baseball coach, a member of local government, a teacher at the Professional Institute of Real Estate in Scottsdale, and an active volunteer at Scottsdale Memorial Hospital (North). In 1958 he married his long-time sweetheart Joan Yench, with whom he recently celebrated 50 years of marriage on June 21st. His loving wife Joan, son Patrick O'Brien, daughters Kathleen Rowen and Eileen Newcombe, daughter-in-law Loretta O'Brien, son-in-law David Newcombe, eight grandchildren and three step-grandchildren, and many extended family members and loyal friends survive him. Funeral mass was held Thursday July 10, 2008 at St. Patrick's Church, 10815 N. 84th Street, Scottsdale 85260 and his life celebrated in true Irish fashion at the Skeptical Chymist Pub on Friday, July 11, 2008, 15688 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale. Flowers for the service to be sent to St. Patrick's, or donations made in his name to Hospice of the Valley (Sherman Home), 5801 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix, Arizona 85054. The family wishes to thank the professionals and staff at Scottsdale Memorial Hospital oncology ward, and all at Hospice of the Valley for their compassionate care of our beloved husband, father and grandfather. See Also: Paradise Memorial Gardens Cemetery |
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