I only knew Jim for a few years when we were both Group Chairs for Vistage Worldwide (formerly TEC). We became good friends quickly and Jim had a significant influence on the growth of Vistage while he lived in St. Louis. He was a wonderful example of strength, energy, character and warmth. There are too few like him in this world and I shall miss him. Rest well, Jim. - Allen Hauge

Jim was my first cousin once removed – my father Hilary, Sr. and Jim’s grandfather Warren were brothers. Jim and I got to know one another in our retirement. He had started a business that brought together CEOs to talk to other CEOs, something, Jim realized that was needed but rarely had happened. I wished that we lived closer.

We shared an interest in family history. While Jim was researching primarily the O’Brien family, and I was working on the Russells, Jim took the time to find, among other useful pieces of information, the location in NYC’S Calvary Cemetery of Arthur Alfred Ernest Russell, the progenitor of our branch of the Russell family. I drove down to the cemetery with the paperwork Jim had sent me identifying the location and listing everyone buried in Arthur’s grave. I found the spot, but the gravestone was missing. That evening I called Jim up. He said, “Hil, it’s there. It’s there somewhere! They must have moved it for some reason.” Throughout our email correspondence and the occasional phone call, Jim was always like that -- encouraging, optimistic, generous – a natural leader. - Hilary Russell, Jr.

The Buddha advises that the root of all suffering is attachment. So apparently suffering is inevitable for anyone who is fortunate enough to know people of integrity like Jim O’Brien, for it’s nigh impossible to avoid feelings of attachment to such people. Jim married my sister Rosalie more than 46 years ago, and I think everyone in the family appreciated the glow that they generated – not only in 1974 but also over the years since then. Jim and I weren’t buddies, but his intelligence, wit, and compassion were such that conversation with him was always easy but also meaningful. I’m sorry that we didn’t converse more, but I’m grateful for the chats that we did have. And although my sadness at his having departed this plane of existence can’t begin to compare with that of Rosalie and my niece Sarah, I am also incredibly grateful for having known such a person. Thanks, Jim, for your grace, charm, and quiet strength. – Steve Wacker

I know how lucky I am to have him as a father. I’m still processing that I don’t get any more of him. His encouragement, his wisdom, the funny faces he makes over mom’s shoulder when we talk on facetime. I just relocated to Lexington, KY and a couple days ago, as I unpacked, I found a book he gave me over 20 years ago, Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist. In it he inscribed, “Sarah, Enjoy the journey. It’s all we’ve got. Love, Dad.” I love reading the memories on this page and I keep coming back to it day after day. Thank you for sharing your journeys with Dad with all of us. - Sarah (SK) OBrien

Jimmy O’Brien was my best friend.  A best friend is someone who is always there for you over your lifetime. That was Jim. Our friendship began in Junior High as neighbors in Chappaqua, New York.  It ended with weekly phone calls to support Jim through his heart issues. As always he was upbeat and gave me hope that we would not be losing him as quickly as we did. We supported each other, I miss my weekly calls with Jim. There is a big hole in my heart where Jim used to reside. Fortunately, the hole is being filled with warm memories over a lifetime with Jim.  

The statute of limitations may not have yet run out on some of the activities we shared as teenagers, so it is best no details be provided on this public website. We were friends in every decade. Beginning in the 1950’s Jim tried to teach me how to find a girlfriend. The training met with modest success, never the higher level of success achieved by Jim. In 1961 we were teammates on the Horace Greeley High School undefeated football team. One of my jobs was to run in the plays and whisper them to our Quarterback Jeff Garberson. It was third down and 30 yards to go. I whispered “quick kick”.  O’Brien overheard and disagreed. He questioned “QUICK KICK!?” loud enough for our opponents to hear.  Jim was quiet and kind, underlying all that was a strong determination to succeed in life. A determination that did not jive with giving the football back to our opponents any sooner than required. 

Throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s golf with our good friend Harold Ofstie was a good reason to be together. Golf outings included Mount Kisco Country Club, Scotland, Hilton Head, Florida, New Hampshire, Minnesota, St Louis, etc.  In St Louis Jim led the O’Brien/Bridgman team to the member guest Championship at Sunset Country Club despite mediocre play by his partner. It was not really about the golf; it was about being together.

My wife Scooter and I met Jim’s new bride Rosalie in Chappaqua in 1974. Rosalie was meeting the O’Brien family for the first time. Well done by Rosalie, Katie O’Brien was impressed. I have many warm memories being together with Jim and Rosalie in Hanover, NH, New York City, etc. Last trip to NYC in 2002 my mom was there. She learned that Jim had not had a drink of alcohol in years, appreciated the symphony (thanks Rosalie) and loved the NY Theater. He had transformed himself from a potentially bad influence on her son to a very good one. Later in life Jim got great pleasure from auditing courses on art history etc. at University of Minnesota. I could not have seen that coming back in 1962. Well done by Jimmy. 

I got great joy sharing our friendship with the rest of my family. He charmed my wife Scooter from day one. He invited me and my two sons to attend the Rawlings “Gold Glove” awards in NYC. We sat at the head table with Jimmy and numerous hall of famers. He and Rosalie traveled halfway across the country to attend the weddings of both our sons. 

Rosalie called me within hours of Jimmy’s death. I was not ready for that news. I cried. She explained, I could hear Jimmy saying, “You have to call Rick”. That would be Jimmy, always thinking of his friend Rick.  And Jimmy, I will always be thinking of you. - Rick Bridgman

I too grew up in the same neighborhood with Jim. We had a lot of fun together at Mt. Kisco CC swimming pool, and other haunts. I remember when Jim went away to private school, he left with the body of a boy and returned with the body of a really strong man. We who played with him all remember him as a powerful and fearless football player, but I also remember that he was a very good swimmer. He was great to have as a teammate, and respected as a competitor. My sympathies and blessings go out to his family. - Michael Krueger

We have wonderful memories of our "good neighbor" Jim! From the little things like throwing all the balls back into our yard when our kids play sent them over the fence, to the always appreciated time he spent snow blowing the sidewalk for our block, and supporting our kids school activities by purchasing Girl Scout cookies and Christmas wreaths. We are saddened by the news of his passing and send our thoughts and prayers. - The Tucci Family

I grew up knowing Jim as a neighbor and terrific athlete-he was in my brothers class of 1962 at Horace Greeley, and I spent many a day the the O'Brien home as Jim's younger brother Mike was my closest friend. Much time had passed when Jim met me, my brother and Rick Bridgeman in Scotland for a week of golf. The trip, for me, was a 40th birthday gift from my brother Hal, and Jim was nice enough to join us. I got to know him much better than I had growing up, and he was a generous, kind, and understanding gentleman. He will be missed. - Richard Ofstie

It is sad to realize that although we shared the same heritage ,and lived not very far away from each other, I have very few memories of Jimmy. He was born one day before my Mothers birthday, a very good sign, really! My fondest memory, although poignant, was at my parents home on Christmas Eve, 1983, after my Father’s , Hilary Russell, funeral. Jim was so eager to connect, and fill in the many blanks of our heritage. I am so glad he and my brother, Hilary, mended that and I wish his family my heartfelt sympathy, and my sorrow that I did not know him well, what a wonderful member of my family! Love, Carol Russell Englert

At K Bay and 13 months in Nam I will always miss you—Semper Fi. - Joe AKA Whip

Dear Rosalie, Sarah and All the O'Briens, I was so sad to hear the news of Jim's death. Most of my wonderful memories of him date way back to our idyllic childhood. Our grandparents' farm where we spent holidays... Jimmy had a pony and Patty, Michael and I had donkeys. He was such an idol to me as a teenager and always made me feel less awkward with this great sense of humor and the attention he gave me. His athletic achievements were legendary and I was so proud of his service in Vietnam. Rest in peace, dear Jim. All the O'Briens are in my prayers. All my love, Susie Craig Conroy xoxo

Three vivid memories stand out… Calling our family just before deployment to Vietnam to say good-bye. It was the first time I remember seeing my father cry. Being part of the legendary standing ovation for our New York Yankee hero in 1969 when Jim brought us to Mickey Mantle Day at Yankee Stadium. And with more baseball legends in attendance than you could count, watching Jim completely in command as the host of the Second Annual Rawlings Gold Glove Award Dinner in 1992. Rest in peace Jim. Rosalie and Sarah, Fran and I are so sorry for your loss. - Chris Craig

Dear Mrs. O'Brien and Sarah, I had the privilege of housesitting for you at your beautiful home in St. Louis. I wish I had words beyond "I'm so sorry for your loss," but if they exist they're eluding me. While my interactions with Mr. O'Brien were minimal, I do remember his smile. : ) - Barb Mathieu

Jim introduced me to golf at Mt. Kisco, probably at about age 11 or 12.He was a favorite of Bill Goldbeck, head pro and his wife, Mary and knew all about the pro shop and how it all worked. After a fairly short while he stopped playing and didn’t get back to it for many years., but then we tried to play whenever we saw each other. On the camp Norway picture of Jim holding his trophy (Vt. state Championship), also appear me and my brother Rick - lots of fun there at camp and occasionally after too many beers we’d break into a chorus of “hi hi hi ike us,” probably joined in that by Mike! - Harold Ofstie

I first met Jim in 1996 when I was the CEO of Aerofil Technology, Inc. Jim recruited me to join The TEC group (a group of CEO's) that he was developing in the St. Louis area. Jim and I became friends and shared many business related issues together. When I retired in 1998, I joined a consulting group that Jim was creating called Catalyst. We worked together on this for a year until Jim moved to St. Paul. I will always remember him as a kind, compassionate, understanding person who always had time to listen and offer well thought-out suggestions. I will miss him. - Dan Mickelson

Sad news to see this obituary. I remember Jim well from Rawlings. One of the nicest men I had ever met. You were never uncomfortable talking to him regardless of your position in the company compared to him. Always listened to you with his total attention. Jim left before me as I stayed for 34 years at Rawlings and was sorry when Jim left for other opportunities. Had no idea of his life's history. Sorry I never asked as it was very impressive. Rest well Jim. You had a great life. - Larry McClain