James E. "Jim" O'Brien

December 2, 1940 - January 12, 2016

JAMES EDWARD “JIM” O’BRIEN December 2, 1940 – January 12, 2016 Former Solano County Coroner, James Edward “Jim” O’Brien, 75, passed away January 12, 2016 at his home in Vallejo surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born December 2, 1940 at Mary’s Help Hospital in San Francisco to Edward James and Jeannette Elise O’Brien. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Carole Ann Valado O’Brien; two sons, Jim Jr. and John; two daughters, Molly (Todd) Bergeron and Katie O’Brien. Jim and Carole also raised Maggie (Ron) Mercer, as one of their own. They have 10 grandchildren, Julia O’Brien, Kevin Bergeron, Justin Bergeron, James O’Brien III, Teryn O’Brien, Cameron O’Brien-Bailey, Michael Bergeron and Alyssa O’Brien, Brandon Mercer, and Dillon Mercer. He was the eldest of five children and is survived by his brother Richard (Sharon) O’Brien, his sisters Janice (Joe) Rapisarda, Patricia (Paul) O’Hara, and Sally (Jack) Muratori; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. Jim graduated from St. Vincent Ferrer High School in 1959 and was active in student affairs and sports. Jim started in the fourth grade as a Times Herald paperboy, a position he held until after his graduation from High School. Jim enjoyed being a leader and member in his community in many ways. He was a member of many clubs including the Order of Red Men, Vallejo Jaycees, Elks, Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, Young Men’s Institute, Moose, Sons of Italy, St. Basil Men’s club, Native Sons of the Golden West, Solano County March of Dimes and the S.P.R.S.I. He served as President of the Redwood Empire Funeral Directors Association and was a Lector at both St. Vincent Church and St. Basil Church for 20 years. Jim was inducted into the SPSV Alumni Hall of Fame in 2009. Jim attended Solano Community College for one year, and graduated from San Francisco College of Mortuary Science in 1963. In 1974, Jim campaigned and won his bid for Coroner and Public Administrator of Solano County and was re-elected 6 times. From 1988 - 1989 he served two terms as president of the California State Coroner’s Association. In 1990 Jim was named Manager of the Year by the California Coroner’s Association. Over his 38 years of service, he was loved and respected by those he worked with. He retired in December 2001. Jim O’Brien was a man of service and a loyal and loving friend, husband, brother, father, and grandfather. Jim loved spending time with family and joking with his friends. He had a great heart and his legacy will live on in ours forever. Special thanks to Jim’s caregiver Nanita Lazaro, St. Basil Lazarus Ministry, and to our friends and family for all of your love and support. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to St. Patrick - St. Vincent High School 1500 Benicia Rd. Vallejo, CA or your favorite local charity. Visitation will be held 4-9 p.m. with the rosary and vigil services to begin at 7 p.m. on Monday, January 18th at Twin Chapels Mortuary, 1100 Tennessee St., Vallejo. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, January 19th at St. Basil the Great Catholic Church, 1230 Nebraska St., Vallejo. Entombment will immediately follow at All Souls Catholic Cemetery, Vallejo. Please join the family for a reception following the services at The Moose Lodge, 337 Nebraska St. Vallejo, CA 94590 Arrangements entrusted to the direction and care of Twin Chapels Mortuary, Vallejo (707) 552-6696. wwwTwinChapelsMortuary.com