James L. O'Brien

OREGON-James Leo O'Brien, age 70, died in an accident at his home, working at his shredded topsoil business, on Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016. Jim spent a lifetime pursuing his passions. He absolutely enjoyed the work he surrounded himself with, in the business he had built, assisted by the many friends that would stop by to lend their expertise and a helping hand. Over the last few years his employee, Devin Haag was a constant in his business, helping Jim as a loyal employee, mechanical expert, business confidant, and at times, more like a son than an employee. Jim's multifaceted business over the years included shredding and selling top soil, snowplowing, and spreading lime on farmer's fields. He lived by the golden rule and was always available to his friends to lend a helping hand as he went about his business. Of course, his friends enjoyed the detailed stories that Jim would share about current events, told while showing his infectious, genuine smile through every detail. All who came to know Jim knew of his passion for his Irish heritage. His pride shone brightly through the shamrocks painted on his trucks and every building on his farm displaying his Irish pride through their bright green roofs seen from miles away. Jim was a very loyal husband to his wife Linda, and his entire family. He cared deeply for his family and worried about their challenges and relished in their successes in his own very personal way. We all knew he was there for us if we needed him. Jim is survived by his wife of 39 years, Linda (Winans) O'Brien; sisters, Catherine (Bill) Schneider and Jean (Vern) Elefson; brother, Charles (Roxi) O'Brien; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Dawn (Chester) Kaminski, Wayne (Teri) Winans, Joyce (John) Nelson, Judy (Dave) Hammersley, Roger (Judy) Winans and Peggy (Willard) Beaumier; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by parents, Leo and Mary O'Brien. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at HOLY MOTHER OF CONSOLATION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 651 N Main St, Oregon, at 11 a.m., on Friday, Nov. 18, 2016. Burial will be at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Oregon. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON OREGON FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 1150 Park St., Oregon, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016, and at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent in Jim's name to Agrace HospiceCare or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Oregon Funeral & Cremation Care 1150 Park Street (608)835-3515