Jim O’Brien
“Life According to Jim”
James “Jim” Virgil O’Brien, 85, was born on September 13, 1940, in Ludington, the middle child of three, to Florence (DeWitt) and William O’Brien.
On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family, Jim peacefully went home to our Lord after a courageous battle with cancer.
Jim lived most of his life in Ludington, a town he loved deeply. His heart was also anchored in Irons, where he spent summers and vacations along the Little Manistee River. There, just feet from the bridge named after his Grandpa DeWitt, he and his children built the home he cherished and filled with family memories.
He attended St. Simon School, graduating in 1958 with his small, close-knit class — classmates he considered lifelong brothers and sisters.
On April 4, 1959, Jim married the love of his life, Janet Rittenhouse. Together they built a beautiful life and were just weeks away from celebrating 67 years of marriage. Their marriage was a testimony of devotion, faith, and enduring love. They were blessed with seven children, and their home was always open — often welcoming other children from the community without recognition or credit. Loving others simply came naturally to them.
Though Jim spent his childhood working in his parents’ restaurant, O’Brien’s Lunch and Dairy Bar in Ludington’s Fourth Ward, he took great pride in beginning his career in tool and die at Harrington Tool in 1960. He remained forever grateful to the Harrington family for giving a young man an opportunity. Through integrity and hard work, he rose to become a supervisor at Harrington Tool and later plant manager at LDI. He also valued his years at Metal Line in Manistee and Saber Tool in Cadillac. Jim worked until the remarkable age of 80 — a reflection of his strong work ethic and belief that purpose mattered.
As a young boy, Jim was fascinated by electronics. He could often be found searching junkyards for discarded radios, taking five broken ones and turning them into one that worked — a quiet testament to his patience and determination.
A member of St. Simon Parish in Ludington and a proud Knight of Columbus, Jim faithfully served as council treasurer and was one of the longest-standing members in the country. His Catholic faith guided his life and sustained him through every season.
Jim’s greatest joy and hobby was his wife and family. He poured himself into making their lives better. He taught humility, kindness, patience, loyalty, and the value of hard work. Above all, he nurtured their faith. He believed deeply that every day was a gift from God.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Janet; his devoted sons, Michael (his wife, Yasuko), David, Thomas (his wife. Caroline), Danny (his wife, Kha), Shawn, Justin “Jake” (his wife, Sherré) ; and his cherished daughter, Molly (her husband, Bob). He also leaves behind his closest cousin, Doug Dewitt (his wife, Donna), and his brother-in-law, Kurt Rittenhouse and 21 loving grandchildren, 18 adoring great-grandchildren, his nieces and nephews, and the extended O’Brien and Rittenhouse families, all of whom he treasured dearly.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Florence and William O’Brien; his sister Patricia and her husband John (Jack); and his brother Danny.
Jim often reminded his family to “remember death, but don’t dwell on it.” Even while facing cancer, he never complained. Instead, he remained grateful — for his family, his faith, and each day he was given.
A Mass will be held on Saturday, February 21, at 2 p.m. at St. Simon Parish, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m. A gathering to celebrate Jim’s life, with lunch provided, will be held immediately following the service at Pere Marquette Township Hall.
Jim was known for his adventurous spirit, especially when it came to his beloved Little Manistee River in Irons. Each year, without hesitation, Jim would put on his bright, loud swim shorts and take the polar plunge into the icy waters behind his home — laughing, determined, and fully alive. It was just one of the many ways he showed us how to embrace life with courage and joy.
Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in knowing Jim is whole and healed, welcomed into the arms of his Savior, Jesus. His legacy of faith, steadfast love, and quiet strength will live on in the generations he shaped.
Please share a memory with the family at www.oakgrovefh.com. Arrangements by Oak Grove Funeral Home in Manistee
.png)
