James Edward “Jim” O’Brien, 71, of Lincoln, IL formerly of Vandalia, IL passed away at 5:29am, Saturday, October 24, 2015 at St. John’s Hospital, Springfield.
A Memorial Service will be held at 5:00pm, Saturday, November 7, 2015 at Crown Point Church, rural Vandalia with Rev. Pete LeDuc officiating. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Crown Point Church. Online condolences available at
Jim was born January 13, 1944, the son of William J. and Margie R. (Walker) O’Brien. Jim was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at a young age, but it didn’t keep him from enjoying life, he worked at Fayco for a short time and participated in the special Olympics; he idolized Elvis Presley, and loved to dress up as Elvis and sing and perform at his group home parties.
He is survived by his sisters Joyce and husband Jack Ritchey of Vandalia and Kelly and husband Fred Wessendorf of Palm Bay, FL; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother John O’Brien and two nephews.