James "Jim" P. O'Brien

James “Jim” P. O’Brien, 83, of Spalding, NE, passed away surrounded by friends on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at his home in Spalding, NE.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at St. Michael’s Church in Spalding, NE with Fr. Lawrence Vadakkan officiating. Interment will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Orleans, NE. Visitation will be 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Monday at the church with a 7:00 p.m. wake service.

Memorials are suggested to the Spalding Senior Center.

Levander Funeral Home of Spalding, NE is in charge of arrangements.

James “Jim” Paul O’Brien was born August 11, 1943, to Elizabeth “Betty” (Thiellen) and Dr. Paul O’Brien in Columbus, NE. He shared that day with his twin brother John “Buck” and joined three older brothers: Jerry and twins Patrick and Larry.

The family moved to Orleans, NE, where he made wonderful friendships and memories. Jim graduated from Orleans High School in 1961 and then attended Kearney State College the following year. He graduated in 1965 with a master's in business education and a master's in English.

He began his teaching career in Naponee, NE where he taught for two years. He then taught in Republican City, NE from 1967 until 1986, followed by 15 years in Campbell, NE. He moved from school to school when schools closed, continuing to find new classrooms and new students to teach.

In 2000, he began teaching at Spalding Academy, where he remained until his retirement in 2015. Retirement, however, did not keep him away from education for long. For the next five years, he enjoyed working as a substitute teacher. For more than five decades, Jim had a job he loved and a meaningful career.

Jim loved spending time with family & friends. He was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus and an avid reader. Taking a daily drive or two, watching sports, talking about sports, and, of course, occasionally betting on them. He also enjoyed gambling trips with friends and the restaurants along the way.

Jim had a special love for animals, and his cats were a big part of his life. No one knows exactly how many cats named Chauncey shared his home over the years, but his last three cats were all named Bubba.

He treasured time with family, including his nephew and nieces. They recall many special memories with “Uncle Jim”. When the family was at Grandma’s during fair time, Jim would buy the kids carnival tickets. If they were there for the Fourth of July, he would spring for fireworks.

Mealtimes with Jim were never dull. He couldn't sit at the table without pestering everyone to take more food, add a little pepper, ketchup, or onions, or mix it all. One year Jim gifted his Mom (Grandma Betty) with a small pizza oven. Jim would often call his nephew or one of his nieces over and say, “You should tell Grandma, you would really like some homemade pizza for a late-night snack.”

When we were teenagers, nothing felt cooler than when Uncle Jim would toss us the keys to his car and let us go cruising around town. We'd roll the windows down, turn up the music, and spend hours driving nowhere in particular. Looking back, it wasn't really about the car; it was about the memories he gave us. Jim may or may not have sent an underage driver or two on errands or to the grocery store for him in his car.

Jim hollering, “Kids, don’t slam that screen door!” is still remembered today and a lesson that has not been forgotten. He sure loved us, even if we sang at the supper table. Jim lived a full life, and he lived it his way. His parents, brothers and family knew they were loved. He gave more than 50 years to his students and his schools.

Jim also found a special home in Spalding, where he was fortunate to have caring friends who meant so much to Jim, and he was grateful to the people who surrounded him and became such an important part of his life. It is no wonder that he loved Spalding so much. In his final days, he was surrounded by some of those same people who had cared for him and stood by him, a fitting reflection of the friendships he treasured.

Jim is survived by nieces: Michelle Hinz of Kearney, NE, and her children: Alec and Elizabeth; Jennifer Lomax of San Diego, CA, and her daughter: Marissa; Stacey O’Brien (Randal Williams) of Tabernash, CO; Stephanie Sherrerd (Andy) of Wayne, OK, and their sons: Drew and Max; Chelsea O’Brien of Lincoln, NE, and her daughters: Keilee and Jerzie; and sisters-in-law: Gaylene O’Brien of Hastings, NE and Jan O’Brien of Lincoln, NE.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Betty and Paul; brothers: Jerry; Patrick; Buck; and Larry; nephew: Danny O’Brien; and his great-niece: Jessica Hinz.