James J. O'Brien

James J. O'Brien 
Mar 1, 1944-Nov 1, 2024

It is with our heartfelt sorrow we announce that James J. O’Brien passed peacefully at home in North Kingstown RI. He was a devoted husband, and beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.  

Born in New York and raised in the Highbridge section of the Bronx, he was the son of the late James J. O’Brien and Margaret (Tiernan) O’Brien and loving sibling to Margaret ‘Peggy’ Lennon and the late Robert O'Brien. 

In addition to his wife, Valerie (Darcy) he leaves his loving children: Ann M. Sullivan & fiancée Nand Patel of North Kingstown, Darcy A. O’Brien & husband Jon Felson of Santa Monica, CA and Margaret T. O’Brien & husband David Hollenbeck of Ridgewood, NJ.  Jim was a cherished grandfather of Stephen and Maille Sullivan, Benjamin and Lila Felson,  Danielle and Christopher Rogers, and Cole and Ethan Patel.  

A graduate of Voorhees Technical Institute in 1966, James was a computer systems analyst in NY and NJ for 30 years before struggles with multiple sclerosis forced an early retirement. In his younger years he  proudly served in the Army National Guard for a decade. He was a Communicant of St. Bernard’s Church and member of the Knights of Columbus St. Francis Council 2011 in North Kingstown where he was a Third Degree Knight. 

Besides his endless devotion to his soul mate and best friend Valerie Ann, Jim will be remembered by the world for his gift of storytelling and constant sense of humor he truly kept until his final days.  He was in his glory when he could bring laughter and joy to his friends and family, and would delight in listening to the same.  His care team of 2 1/2 years often remarked about his being a favorite patient due to his positive attitude and gratitude, continuous stream of witty  one-liners, and his grace in the face of suffering.  Our wish is that people remember his strong faith and legendary sense of humor. 

His Funeral Mass  will be celebrated on November 11th at 11AM at St. Bernard Church, 275 Tower Hill Road, North Kingstown.  Followed by a repass for his friends and family (details to be announced). Burial will be private. 

In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to the National MS Society (Link Below)

https://donate.nationalmssociety.org/campaign/JamesOBrien

Arrangements have been entrusted to THE CRANSTON-MURPHY FUNERAL HOME of WICKFORD.

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