James O’Brien
James O’Brien, age 74, of Chadds Ford, PA, passed away at his home on Tuesday May 31, 2016. He is survived by his loving wife June, daughters Shayne O’Brien, Meg and her husband Scott Powers, his son Edward O’Brien, and two grandchildren Owen and Erin O’Brien Powers. He is also survived by his brother Thomas O’Brien and wife Shirley, his sister Mary Patricia Smith, his sister Catherine (Minty) and husband John Young, his sister Veronica (Bonny) and husband Gilbert Cameau, and many nieces and nephews and their children, to whom he was a most beloved uncle. Jim was predeceased by his brothers Richard and Mortimer O’Brien and his sister Regina (Ginger) Kromphold.
Jim had a strength, spirit and zest for life that could not be suppressed. With his genuine interest in others, his overwhelming kindness and warmth, he was a friend to all who met him. His wonderful sense of humor and gift for storytelling captivated everyone who was fortunate enough to know him. He had a love of travel, literature, theater and history, and great interests in painting, genealogy, and Irish culture. He was an active student at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Delaware in Wilmington, and was well known by his professors and classmates for his insights, commentary and stories — to which, he had received ovations.
Although diagnosed with cancer last summer, he was still determined to live his life as he always had, which was to its fullest. Jim made every day a new opportunity to learn something, befriend someone, or share a part of himself — his laughter and quick wit, and his thoughtfulness. He adored his wife, family and friends, and always made time for everyone.
Jim will be forever missed by his family and countless friends, but in our hearts and minds he will always be with us.
A memorial service celebrating Jim’s life will be held on Sunday, June 26 at 1:00pm at the DuPont Country Club, 1001 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE 19803. Contributions in Jim’s memory can be made to Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Wilmington Gift Fund at the University of Delaware. Please send contributions to: University of Delaware, Gifts Processing, 83 E. Main St, 3rd Fl., Newark, DE 19716. Make checks payable to ‘University of Delaware’ and include on the memo line the fund name and Jim’s name.
Arrangements are being handled by the Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home Inc. of Kennett Square. To view Jim’s online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.griecocares.com.
