O'Brien family, you all are in our prayers
Tuesday, September 6, 2011

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


Tuesday, August 16, 2011

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.
Sunday, August 14, 2011

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
Friday, August 12, 2011

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.
Friday, August 12, 2011