James "Jj" J. O'Brien

James Joseph “JJ” O’Brien, 82, peacefully passed away Thursday, May 26, 2011, at the Lighthouse of Superior Assisted Living with family and friends close by his side.


He was born March 3, 1929, to Agnes and William O’Brien, and was a lifetime Superior resident.

He graduated from Superior Central High School in 1948, and served his country in the United States Army.

At age 9, Jim was a mascot and water boy for Superior State Teachers College and the team affectionately nicknamed him Jimmy “Shamrock” O’Brien. He never missed a practice or a game.
In 1947, Jim worked at Superior Bridgeman’s and 7th Street Supermarket as stock manager and delivery driver. He was a referee and manager for many youth sports teams throughout the city.


After being discharged from the Army, Jim worked for the U.S. Postal Service as a letter carrier and was employed with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department as a deputy and ambulance driver until signing on with the South Shore-Soo Line Railroad as an engineer. At age 27, Jim was the youngest engineer to become licensed in air brake operation of diesel locomotives in the United States. He had many exciting stories to share of running trains through the Porcupine Mountains.

Jim was a member of Cathedral of Christ the King Catholic Church, the United Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, American Legion and Richard I. Bong Post and the Superior Elk’s Lodge 403. Jim was named “Elk of the Year” in 1988. In the early 1950s, Jim initiated the Santa Claus Program at the Elk’s, and many remember the joy and happiness he brought them as the Elk’s Santa Claus. He was also a lifetime member of the Douglas County Humane Society.
Jim had currently served on the Douglas County Board of Supervisors, through which he was active on the Douglas County Forestry Committee and former Aging Resource Board. As a county supervisor, he served on the Veterans Commission and was a strong proponent for sustaining the Twin Ports Veterans Clinic and bringing a veterans’ nursing home to Douglas County. He worked aggressively to help develop plans for the new Government Center. He was active with the Superior Senior Center.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Margaret (Kotter) O’Brien, brothers William and Edward O’Brien, sisters Bernice McGrath and Laurel Golder, a nephew Mike McGrath in 1966 and his three mini-Schnauzers, Max I, II and III.

He is survived his longtime friend, FlorAnn Wizner of Cloquet, nephews, Patrick (Penny) McGrath of Superior, Clancy (Pam) O’Brien of Simpsonville, Ky., and Tom O’Brien; nieces Peggy (Joel) Jacque of Black Creek, Wis., Maureen (Fran) Golden of Tehachapi, Calif., Colleen O’Brien; and stepson Mark (Mary) Kotter. He had many great-nieces and great-nephews. He was especially close to and proud of his great-niece, Riley McGrath of Superior.

Jim resided at Lighthouse of Superior where he had a very loving and caring home. Profound thanks to the staff at Lighthouse and also to Lakeshore Home, St Luke’s Health Care Systems and staff, the VA Clinic staff, Interim Health Care, Villa Marina and to the many friends and loved ones who supported and encouraged him in his final months. Jim appreciated everyone and loved being surrounded by people. He was a loving and loyal friend to everyone.

If memorials are preferred, they can be sent to Jim’s nephew, Patrick McGrath, 1811 Garfield Ave., Superior WI 54880. Make checks payable to Disabled American Veterans or Superior Animal Rescue Federation.

Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 3 at Cathedral of Christ the King Catholic Church until the noon memorial Mass with the Rev. Andrew Ricci as celebrant.

Inurnment will be in Calvary Cemetery, Superior.

Downs-LeSage Funeral Home, 1304 Hammond Ave., Superior, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Leave an online condolence or to sign the guest book at www.downs-lesage.com.