James Lavern "Jim" O'Brien

James Lavern O’Brien (Jim) 92 of Toledo, Ohio passed away Saturday, September 16, 2017. Jim was born to Rose Anna and Ralph O’Brien from Willard, Ohio on August 29th, 1925. His family relocated to East Toledo at the age of four. Jim attended East Side Central and Waite High School. At eighteen years of age, he joined the Army and served in WWII. Jim was assigned to the 661st Tank Destroyers as a driver, gunner and commander. He fought courageously in Normandy, France, Belgium (the Battle of the Bulge). Germany was among the first to meet the Russians at the Polish border to end WWII in Europe. After serving in the war, Jim was employed by Gallagher Cleaners where his late wife, Margaret (Milano) O’Brien, former owner of Margaret O’Brien Modeling Agency, worked as well. During the streetcar strike, Jim was asked to pick Margaret up for work one day. Shortly after, Jim asked her out for a date and the rest was history. James and Margaret were later married on April 10, 1948. Together, they lead a happy and fulfilling life. Unfortunately, Margaret passed away on December 6, 2015 after 67 years of marriage. She truly was the love of his life. Jim was also employed for 30 years as a pattern maker for LOF (Libbey Owens Ford). Jim enjoyed spending time with family, bowling, playing cards, and periodically taking trips up to the Detroit casino. Jim also enjoyed being a shriner. He was a 32nd degree Mason and member of the Zenobia Shine Jeepster unit. James was fortunate to have and survived by two loving and caring sons, James O’Brien and Kelly Thomas O’Brien (Leslie). Jim also has seven loving grandchildren Jimmy (Adrienne), Mike (Sarah), Danny (Karen), Kelly (Danielle), Chalie, Spencer, and Maggie. Visitation will be held at Ansberg-West Funeral Home, 3000 West Sylvania, Avenue on Monday, September 18 from 4:00-8:00pm. A funeral service will be held to celebrate James’s life Tuesday, September 19 beginning at 11:00 A.M. at the funeral home and will be followed by a graveside service at Toledo Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Caleb International Ministeries 2580 Blossom Lane, New Castle, Pennsylvania, 16105. To send his family online condolences, please visit www.ansbberg-west.com.

James Lavern "Jim" O'Brien

August 29, 1925 - September 16, 2017