James L O'Brien

A year of bravely battling cancer, James L. O’Brien went home to be with the Lord on Friday, June 3, 2016 at 1:25 p.m. He was born in Schram City Illinois to Bob and Elizabeth O’Brien on May 11, 1937. He graduated from Hillsboro High school in 1955. He married Barbara Spencer on January 27, 1962 in Morrisonville, Illinois.

Jim was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Taylorville, IL. Jim Loved Taylorville and spent much of his life volunteering for the community. He coached little league, pony league and served as an afterschool mentor for children. Jim was an avid Tornado basketball and football fan. Jim served as the president of the park board in Taylorville and was active in delivering meals on wheels. When SHADOW home first started in Taylorville, Jim was very active in working to make the home  livable. Jim loved classic and antique cars and enjoyed going to car shows where he won several trophies.

Jim is survived by his wife Barbara, their adorable Yorkie Maggie, Niece Kristen and Husband Dr. Phil Fragassi, and their sons Anthony and Mitchell Fragassi. Nephews David and Robert (Wife Linda) O’Brien all of Ohio. Jim was also survived by sister-in-law Sharon (Paul) Nation of Taylorville, Wilma (Steve) Durbin of Sullivan; Brother-in-laws Elmer Bausch of Decatur, Richard Badoerk of Clinton and Robert Greenwood of Morrisonville, along with several other nieces and nephews who adored him.

He was preceded in death by his parents Bob and Elizabeth O’Brien and Brother William and wife Ginny O’Brien.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 6, 2016 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville. Funeral will be held on Tuesday, June 7, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at Sutton Memorial Home with Pastor Bart Spencer officiating. Burial will be held in Morrisonville cemetery in Morrisonville, IL following the service.     

Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.