James J. O\u0027Brien Obituary (1936 - 2010)

Surrounded by his family, James passed away peacefully at the age of 73 on June 7, 2010. Born in Brooklyn, New York, James was a graduate of Regis High School in New York City and went on to graduate with honors from the United States Merchant Marine Academy, Kings Point. He started his career in the maritime field as a sea-going officer and subsequently joined the Port Authority of New York/New Jersey rising to the position of General Manager, Trade Development. James was recruited by the Port of Oakland, California in 1978. He served as Director of Maritime Activites and Deputy Executive Director until 1988 when he was appointed Executive Director, Transportation Services. From 1991 to 1999, James was Port Director of Port Everglades, Fort Lauderdale, FL. Under his leadership, it became one of the largest cruise ports in the world and was internationally recognized as the "World's Finest Cruise Port." When James retired, he and his beloved wife of 50 years, Agnes, returned to California to reside in El Dorado Hills. With his children and grandchildren nearby, he enjoyed his retirement through family vacations, holiday get-togethers and birthday celebrations. As a supportive grandfather, he was frequently busy attending various sporting events, award ceremonies and theatre productions. James had an adventurous spirit and loved traveling to foreign countries to experience new places and cultures. He bacame an avid photographer and collected photos from Yosemite to the Great Wall of China. James was also a history buff and had an acute memory for details, making him an expert at his favorite television game show, Jeopardy. A man of the utmost integrity, he taught his children the value of knowledge practiced with compassion. He was an active member of Holy Trinity Parish and was a member of the Lector Ministry. James is survived by his wife, Agnes, children Terry, Jean, Dan, Kathy and Eileen, grandchildren John, Molly, Brendan, Claudia and Michael, sons-in-law Toby and Geoff, daughter-in-law Sandra, and sister Kathleen.