Obituary for James "Jimmy" O'Brien
O’Brien
James J.
May 16th, 1955 – January 3rd, 2023
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of James J. O’Brien or Jimmy J. O’Brien as he called himself on January 3rd, 2023 at the James Paton Memorial Health Centre at the age of 67 years.
James was predeceased by his parents Pat & Margaret O’Brien; sister Clare O’Brien; parents-in-law Eli & Flossie Gaulton.
He leaves to mourn his wife of 45 years, Ann; his son Pat; granddaughter Brooklyn; his beloved fury companion Gizma; his brother Tom (Christine); sisters: Mary (Bruce), Patty (Rick); brother-in-law Ted Feltham. He also leaves a large circle of nieces, nephews, many extended family and friends.
James was born and raised in Gander and he was the second oldest of five children born on May 16th, 1955 to the late Pat & Margaret O’Brien.
James started working in the family trucking business at an early age and from that experience he went on to become a very well liked and respected professional truck driver for 50 years. If truth be known it was probably more than 50 years because he was probably driving before he was legal. If there was anyone who loved truck driving it was him. He made many lifelong friendships on the road and everyone knew he was only a call away if you needed anything. He did love his cell phone and chatting.
During his career he drove furniture vans, cargo vans, freight trailers, logging trucks and most recently a flatbed for Riverbend.
His door was always opened and he loved having a crowd around. There are a lot of memories and stories being told about his cooking skills out in the shed with a few swallies on the go. It didn’t take long for word to get out that Jim was in the shed.
One of his greatest joys was playing the role of Santa Clause on Christmas Eve. He delighted a lot of children over the years by arriving at their homes with his hearty HOHOHO. Most of those children now have children of their own that he continued the tradition for.
The family would like to send special thanks to the nursing staff of the Orthopedics Unit at the James Paton Memorial Health Centre.
As expressions of sympathy, donation in Jimmy’s memory may be made to the Gander & Area S.P.C.A., 36 McCurdy Drive, Gander, NL., A1V 1A2.
As for James’ wishes, cremation has taken place and also per his wishes there will be no visitation of funeral service.
Many people have said over the last few days that he was quiet that character.
“That he was, but he was our character and we loved him.”
James J.
May 16th, 1955 – January 3rd, 2023
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of James J. O’Brien or Jimmy J. O’Brien as he called himself on January 3rd, 2023 at the James Paton Memorial Health Centre at the age of 67 years.
James was predeceased by his parents Pat & Margaret O’Brien; sister Clare O’Brien; parents-in-law Eli & Flossie Gaulton.
He leaves to mourn his wife of 45 years, Ann; his son Pat; granddaughter Brooklyn; his beloved fury companion Gizma; his brother Tom (Christine); sisters: Mary (Bruce), Patty (Rick); brother-in-law Ted Feltham. He also leaves a large circle of nieces, nephews, many extended family and friends.
James was born and raised in Gander and he was the second oldest of five children born on May 16th, 1955 to the late Pat & Margaret O’Brien.
James started working in the family trucking business at an early age and from that experience he went on to become a very well liked and respected professional truck driver for 50 years. If truth be known it was probably more than 50 years because he was probably driving before he was legal. If there was anyone who loved truck driving it was him. He made many lifelong friendships on the road and everyone knew he was only a call away if you needed anything. He did love his cell phone and chatting.
During his career he drove furniture vans, cargo vans, freight trailers, logging trucks and most recently a flatbed for Riverbend.
His door was always opened and he loved having a crowd around. There are a lot of memories and stories being told about his cooking skills out in the shed with a few swallies on the go. It didn’t take long for word to get out that Jim was in the shed.
One of his greatest joys was playing the role of Santa Clause on Christmas Eve. He delighted a lot of children over the years by arriving at their homes with his hearty HOHOHO. Most of those children now have children of their own that he continued the tradition for.
The family would like to send special thanks to the nursing staff of the Orthopedics Unit at the James Paton Memorial Health Centre.
As expressions of sympathy, donation in Jimmy’s memory may be made to the Gander & Area S.P.C.A., 36 McCurdy Drive, Gander, NL., A1V 1A2.
As for James’ wishes, cremation has taken place and also per his wishes there will be no visitation of funeral service.
Many people have said over the last few days that he was quiet that character.
“That he was, but he was our character and we loved him.”