James J. O'Brien

James J. O'Brien, of Amherst, New York, December 13, 2022. Beloved husband of 59 years to Elizabeth "Betsy' O'Connor O'Brien; cherished father of Kathleen, Mary, Eileen (Margot Rosen), Kevin (Carrie) and the late James J. O'Brien; dear Papa and Grandpa of Audrey, Bodhi, Colin and Huck; brother of the late Thomas (Shirley), Elaine (late Joseph) Mueller and Joan (Richard) Scott; also survived by nieces and nephews. Friends may call Friday December 16th, 3-7 pm at the Perna Dengler Roberts Funeral Home 1671 Maple Rd., Williamsville. Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, December 17, 12:00 noon at St. Joseph University RC Church, 3269 Main St., Buffalo. In lieu of flowers memorials in Jim's name may be made to St. Joseph's Collegiate Inst. 845 Kenmore Ave., Buffalo, NY 14223 or Canisius College 2001 Main St., Buffalo, NY 14208. To view Jim's Mass livestream Saturday at 12 noon, please visit https://youtu.be/odwxtSKs6R8. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.DenglerRobertsPernafuneral.com for the O'Brien family.

Jim O’Brien grew up in the Kensington-Bailey area attending St. James grammar school, St. Joe’s Collegiate Institute and received a full athletic scholarship to Canisius College where he majored in Economics and Philosophy.

He graduated from UB’s law school in 1955 and enlisted in the U.S. Army serving at Camp Zama outside Tokyo, Japan until 1957. Returning to the US, he practiced criminal law with a local firm until forming his own firm with his brother, Tom, and friend, Bill Cotter, that handled a wide variety of case work. Jim, along with his brother Tom, represented Catholic Charities for close to 30 years, primarily performing legal work for their adoption programs. He especially enjoyed the years that his daughter, Eileen, practiced in his firm.

Jim and his wife Betsy raised their children Kathleen, Mary, Eileen, and Kevin in Amherst where they sent their kids to St. Benedict’s grammar school, Sacred Heart and St. Joe’s high schools. Jim was a devout Catholic and was always a faithful and generous supporter of his Church and a devoted alumnus of his schools.

He was a fixture for decades on Wednesday nights at the Knights of Columbus on Delaware Ave. where he’d play handball and racquetball and enjoy the company of his fellow members. As the K of C will tell you, Jim crafted for the club an ironclad 99-year lease for the basement level of 506 Delaware Ave. Subsequent quibbles and disputes involving the building have tested the strength of that document but the lease remains in place, a testament to Jim’s intellect and foresight.

Jim was an avid reader of history and follower of all news, especially political. He enjoyed a good Manhattan cocktail, watching golf and other sports on the weekend, and saved his widest smiles for when the grandkids were over. He could tell a good story about his youthful days sweeping the elephant cage at the Buffalo Zoo, digging graves at Mt. Calvary, or about a few dodgy clients from his early days in criminal defense. He was true gentleman, a loving husband and father, and as a proud Irishman, always enjoyed a good party.