James "Jim" Thomas O'Brien

O'Brien family, you all are in our prayers

Dear Sylvia and family:
Paul and I live in Houston now and have just learned of Jim's passing during this week's visit to Beaumont. Reading all of the tributes to Jim from his students and colleagues lets us know that he truly found his calling. What inspiring accolades!
Paul first met Jim when he bought a car from him over twenty years ago. I remember visting your home when your children were very young and admiring your "cornfield" in the heart of Beaumont. I particularlly remember little Terese and her resemblance to a photo of St. Terese of Lisieux that Jim showed us.
I'll bet by now that Jim has met St. Terese and that they are having a ball joking and laughing together!

Many prayers and hugs to all of you!

Carole and Paul

Dear O'Brien Family:
Like so many others who have expressed their heart felt feelings for Jim I would join in as well in saying what a privilege it was for me to have had the opportunity to work with Jim as a fellow substitute at West Brook over the past several years. After meeting Jim during my first week at West Brook he instantly made me feel as though we had been friends for much longer than our brief time together. In the days & months that followed we visited often sharing our thoughts about everything from religion ,politics.education, and stories about family members. I'll never forget the day Jim confided in me about his medical diagnosis & the thoughts each of us shared about the future. I always looked forward to seeing him at West Brook each day knowing that before the day was over he & I would find time at some point to visit about what was going on in the world as well as within our families. He was a loving & caring friend that I had the good fortune of knowing for a brief time. God bless all of the O'Brien family during this time of grief.

Dear O'Brien Family,
Many of us from West Brook lovingly labeled Jim "Father O'Brien" because he ministered to us when we had rough patches. He was Christianity in action. He kept a prayer list in his pocket, and I know I was often on it. He celebrated personal victories with me that we had shared prayers over - my own cancer and family issues . I am so sorry for his pain and your loss. Jim's enduring faith through his illness will continue to be an inspriration to me. God bless you. His family was so precious to him, and he was so proud of you all. I believe he will continue to watch over you.
Linda McLemore

I feel blessed to have had a magical friendship with such a magical person, and I will cherish it forever. The love and time we shared together has been a tremendous aid in my search for the truth in my own little world. I promise to share what you taught me with everyone I have the pleasure to meet. I love you and your family Mr. O'Brien. We will all meet again and share some laughs.

I'm a better man from knowing Jim. His warm smile, handshake & hugs were always welcomed. I learned much from Jim and always enjoyed our talks. Please let me know if there is anything that I can help you with.
Most Respectfully,
Les

Sylvia,

I want to offer my condolences to you and your family.
I know that you just lost your best friend and I can only imagine what you are going thru.
I know that you are going to do okay because you are a strong person.
I would just like to say that you have been a good co-worker and I think that it is safe to say that I have made it to the stage where I am also one of your many friends. So friend, just wanting to say we miss you and also to let you know that I am here for you. Take care and see you soon.

Dear Sylvia and Family, I have just read all the comments, for your Dear Husband, they are right, no words can express how you feel, when you try to express your sorrow, for someone's loss. I'm sorry we didn't get to know Jim, as well as all these people did. He sounds like a "Great Man" that knew our LORD first hand. I know you and yours will rejoice for him, no more pain or struggles, for he is with our LORD now and forever, and you will be with him again. Just wanted to say I love you and yours, and my thoughts are with you. Now that I know you're in Silsbee , I can come see you. LOVE YOU CUZ! Anita & Larry

There is NO ONE like Mr. O'Brien....he had such a kind and big heart...yet he is one of the strongest people I've ever met! God Bless you all and know that he is now in God's hands. I send my love and prayers to you all!

The legacy you left will travel on forever, as everyone who met you won't be able to help but share your wonderfulness with everyone they meet. You're an inspiration and I treasure my time with you.