James W. "Jim" O'Brien

James W. “Jim” O’Brien, 89, of Davenport, passed away, Sunday, February 8, 2026, at UnityPoint Trinity, Bettendorf surrounded by family.

Funeral services and Mass of Christian Burial for Jim will be celebrated at 10:00 am, Friday, February 13, 2026, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church. Burial will be in the Rock Island National Cemetery, Arsenal Island with military honors. The family will greet friends from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. on Thursday at the Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home with a prayer service being offered at 6:00 pm. Additional visitation will be held on Friday from 9:00 am until the time of Mass at church. Memorials may be made to Our Lady of Victory Catholic, Holy Family Catholic Church, or America Needs Fatima.

James William O’Brien was born on August 14, 1936, in Whittemore, Iowa, a son of Charles and Clara (Matheis) O’Brien. Jim proudly served our country in the Air Force from 1955 until 1958, primarily stationed in Alaska. He had a great sense of patriotism and was privileged to participate in an Honor Flight of the Quad Cities to Washington, D.C.

Jim was united in marriage to Judy Marietta on September 11, 1965, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Bettendorf. They have shared over 60 years of marriage and memories while raising six children.

Jim started working at L.E. Chute in 1959 and purchased the business on April 1, 1977. He loved growing the business and the relationships that were formed. Jim was especially proud of his sponsorship of Little league and Pony league baseball teams.

Jim found joy in the things that kept his mind sharp and his heart full. He loved puzzles and Sudoku, always enjoying the challenge and satisfaction of figuring things out. He had a lifelong appreciation for John Deere tractors and fast cars, taking pride in anything with an engine and a bit of personality. Above all else, Jim cherished time spent with his family, especially the kids and grandkids, who were the true center of his world.

Some of his happiest moments were spent giving tractor rides, creating memories filled with laughter, smiles, and a little adventure. Jim was known for his warm smile and his razor-sharp, mischievous wit—quick with a comment that could catch you off guard and leave you laughing. He had a remarkable way of remembering what truly mattered and always made sure to check in, ensuring everyone around him was okay.

Jim was a longtime member of the Rotary Club of Davenport, American Legion Post #26, and was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He loved cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes, all sports and especially boating on the Mississippi River. Jim looked forward to unwinding every year at the Lake of the Ozarks with his family, pulling them on the tube, and water skiing all over the lake. Above all else he loved his family and cherished the moments spent together, regularly getting together with his brothers and sister at the O’Brien family reunions for over 40 years. His thoughtfulness, humor, and steady presence will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered..

Those left to honor his memory include his wife of over 60 years, Judith “Judy”; children Robert “Bob” (Yvonne) O’Brien, Davenport, Joe (Lyndsay) O’Brien, Huntersville, North Carolina, Jim (Steve) O’Brien, San Francisco, California, Tom (Barbara) O’Brien, San Jose, California, Susan “Sue” Tillman, Bettendorf, and Patrick “Pat” (Emily) O’Brien, Clarkson Valley, Missouri; seventeen grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; siblings: Denny O’Brien, Mazeppa, Minnesota, Chuck (Dottie) O’Brien, Stewartville, Minnesota, Tom O’Brien, Rochester, Minnesota, and Pat (Sharon) O’Brien, Ankeny, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a son William “Billy” O’Brien, a granddaughter, Clara Marie O’Brien, siblings Marilyn Iler and Stan (Carol) O’Brien, sisters-in- law Marilyn O’Brien, Marjean O’Brien, Carol O’Brien; and a brother-in-law Steve Marietta. May they rest in peace.