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James Patrick O’Brien

March 11, 1938
–
February 22, 2025

James Patrick O’Brien, 86, of Fallbrook, California, son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, coach, and friend, passed away on February 22, 2025

James was born on March 11, 1938, to Patrick and Annabelle O’Brien in El Paso, Texas. He moved to San Diego, California, with his mom and younger sister Patsy shortly after her birth. He spent his childhood in Linda Vista, where he quickly excelled in all sports. He attended Kearny High School, played baseball, basketball, and football, and was Student Body President, graduating in 1956. During this time, he also played on several fast-pitch softball teams, including one for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the church he joined when he was 15. After high school, he attended Brigham Young University (BYU) on an Engineering scholarship but changed his major to Physical Education. He played baseball at BYU and graduated in 1961 with a Master’s Degree.

He married Anna Hengst (also a Kearny High School graduate) on August 29, 1959, and they moved back to California when Jim got a job at North Torrance High School teaching and coaching baseball. He never looked back. During his 12-year career at North, he coached the Saxons to two CIF championships (1971 and 1974) and one runner-up (1972). He also coached all levels of football, from Bees to Varsity.

During the “North” days, he started a Christmas Tree lot to raise money for the Saxons to attend a Lazy R dude ranch in Utah. After a few years, Jim and Anna took over the business and developed it into one of the largest tree lots in the South Bay, providing jobs to many in the area during the holidays.

In 1976, Jim started his coaching career at Los Angeles Harbor College. In his first year, the Seahawks came in second in the State Championship and were the State Champions in 1978. The Seahawks went on to win two more State Championships (in 1984 and 1990). Jim earned the honor of National Coach of the Year in 1978, 1984, and 1990. More importantly, Jim, known to many as Coach O’Brien, was always proud when his players went on to be successful in either professional baseball or a four-year college.

After retiring from coaching in 1990, Jim served as the Athletic Director at Harbor full-time until he retired in 2001. He was inducted into the San Pedro Sports Walk of Fame in 2012, and was inducted into the National Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame in 2014.

After Jim retired, he and Anna moved to Fallbrook. While in Fallbrook, Jim and Anna served as Ordinance Workers in the San Diego Temple (for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) for 18 years. Jim also served in many assignments at the local church in Fallbrook, which he loved. Most recently, he taught the seven-year-olds with another 80-year-old man, and they loved the children’s energy and life.

He loved spending time with this family, which includes children (6), grandchildren (20), and great-grandchildren (27). Most of their vacations were family-related – watching sports games, dance performances, and church events. Jim always looked forward to the O’Brien/Johnson family reunions every other year, where he spent time with all who could attend. He loved his family more than anything in the world.

James is survived by his wife, Anna; children Kathy (Mark) Furin, Linda O’Brien, Kerry (Brett) Fulton, Casey (Debbie) O’Brien, Sean (Marci) O’Brien, Cathy (Tony) “Mills” Freitas. He was preceded in death by his father, Patrick James O’Brien, his mother, Annabelle Eminger, and his sister, Patsy Jo Johnson.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 11 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 621 S. Stage Coach Lane, Fallbrook, CA, 92028.

Tribute Wall

Rich Johnson - Jim's Nephew
What a true blessing Uncle Jim has been to me in my life. When my father died when I was 25, Jim filled that empty hole in my life. He was always so supportive and encouraging to me. There are too many memories to even start to list here. I will be eternally grateful for the love he and Aunt Anna have shown to all of the O'Brien/Johnson family. Rest in peace Chief.
February 27 / 2025
Brian Scott
My association with Jim (aka “O B”) was over 50 years, he was a mentor and a friend. Jim could talk baseball with anyone and his dedication to the sport was unmatched. Jim developed a high school and junior college baseball teams into regional Power houses, he also developed a number of coaches that played under him, and a loyal, following from many of his former players. Jim loved to play cards (and if any of you know very competitive) and that is something I will surely miss , because my wife Rhonda & I would play monthly for 43 years, the partners were Jim & Rhonda and Brian & his wife Anna sometimes we would play until 1 or 2 in the morning because of the competitive nature of the four players. In the last 10 years or so Jim had a huge interest in the Padres and we would talk on the phone about what the lineup was or going to be, Jim loved to think ahead of what the Padres should be doing (once a coach always a coach). Jim & his WHOLE family were involved in a little tree selling operation also helped a lot of his players from North High & Harbor College there are enough memories to fill a Huge book plus the laughs that went with them. I know that my wife and I will surely miss him! We love you Jim.
February 28 / 2025
Anne and Bill Renshaw
I always loved being with Coach and Anna. Jim was BYU's biggest fan. He rarely missed a game. He was very caring of everyone, especially his players. He always wanted to know how you were doing when it was he who had just been in the hospital. Just when you thought he was at his end, he came back as good as ever. My love and prayers for Anna and her family.
March 5 / 2025
Ed Bowen
Coach Jim O’Brien, WOW a lifetime memories!! To me you were a Legend before I met you! Watching the 1966-1969 Saxon Teams on the sacred baseball field and in the dugout at home games! I was always fixated on the loud general #20 barking out plays and situations, directing his troops! You are larger than life to me! I would think to myself, that’s Coach O’Brien! Beginning my sophomore year 1972, I was invited to try out for the varsity baseball team!! Holy crap they just come off a 1971 pounding of Chaffee high school with the team of men who mastered what they are taught and worked for!! CIF AAAA Champions You put me in a position to succeed in that environment ! I quickly became apart Of the Saxon, baseball family and it began a hell of a ride! That sophomore season 1972 put me in the dugout with some of the best of the best in the south day! We were CIF runner’s up ANAHEIM STADIUM! You gave me the opportunity to start in right field and the game became bigger than life that evening! We came up a run short to a great Dominguez team, but we weren’t done yet! We needed to return! Looking back the next year 1973 became a rebuilding period. We battled and fought got filthy and bled we always left everything on the field! What came next was epic! 1974 History is made! I found myself back on the biggest stage in high school baseball the CIF AAAA championship Anaheim Stadium with you! That Tuesday night we entertained a crowd of 10K + ,11 innings of one of the best baseball games ever at any level!! We sent the crowd home at 11 o’clock at night and a 0 to 0 tie!! Damn, what’s next? USC on Saturday He’ll yeah! 7 innings Damn Right! You led a dug out full of young men to the pinnacle of high school baseball against the best of the best that year!! A season of all seasons, and surely a season for the record books! 18 innings 1-0 North Torrance 1974 CIF AAAA CHAMPIONS!! 1974 CIF SS Team Of theYear!! After Coach O’Brien‘s tenure at Harbor College.I had a son who played baseball for San Diego Mesa (2000). Mesa traveled to Harbor College to face the Seahawks (RATS)? I shared the difficult environment my son would face with him and I made the trip to watch the game. Not to my surprise, coach was sitting in the stands, and I was able to sit next to him, and all we talked was baseball! During that game, harbor’s dugout (RATS) were Loud all over the third baseman for San Diego Mesa to the point that he was almost crying! Anybody that’s been to a harbor game knows what I’m talking about! In between innings while throwing the ball around the shortstop from San Diego Mesa had had enough of the ragging and brutality. Protecting his third baseman he fired a fastball into the dugout and scattered the Seahawks! Yeah, shortstop was my son! Saxon blood! Played Saxon style baseball passed down to him with pride. Coach O’Brien‘s knowledge and ability to win on the baseball field and carry that scrappy attitude has been shared with hundreds of ball players, their children, and grandchildren! Your teachings of the greatest game on the planet will be carried on for generations! Jim O’Brien RIP  I call you “COACH”  Thanks for taking me on the ride!
March 7 / 2025
Jay W. Taylor
My heart is both overflowing and broken as I grieve the loss of Coach O’Brien. I wish to express my deep love to each of you individually, Anna, Kathy, Linda, Kerry, Cathy, Sean, and Casey - and all of you as a family together with your families. Coach O’Brien was one of the greatest individuals I have ever known. I am humbled just to know that he, and his family cared so much about me. During my most formative years, Coach O’Brien served me as a mentor, an example, and head cheerleader. Who would have known a men’s collegiate baseball national coach of the year had such a talent for cheerleading? It didn’t matter what my endeavor, or how much he knew about what I was doing or trying to do, he always greeted me or left me with enthusiastic words of both praise and go take it on. Never doubting my ability or the or the loftiness of my objective, it was always positive reinforcement, always given with a smile and in his inimitable coach’s voice and coach’s speak, to go get it and that I can’t lose. And Coach’s body language, tone, and confidence always let me know he believed in what he said. My world would not have been the same without Coach O’Brien and the O’Brien family. And one finally note for the record: I think the debate should be closed on the best father-son selling duo at the North Torrance Christmas Tree Lot. Frank Loo and Jay Taylor should be the unanimous choice. But as far as profitability goes, I actually used to sell the trees at a profitable, my charitable dad, with a heart like yours, larger-than-life, I think used to sell under the buy one get one free program. But man could he sell those trees. If you’re reading this Coach, I hope you can think back to home much fun my Dad brought to the lot and how no matter how hectic things were he could always make you smile and shake your head at the same time. As Frank would have said, “Good times!” I can’t close this memory out without honoring the rest of the O’Brien family and again honoring them and thanking them for all of the love and support they have given me. If I started down memory lane here, I would quickly run out of characters to describe how important you all are to me and to share some of our memories, because those memories, and the individual relationships which I had with Anna, Kathy, Linda, and Kerry, are all so precious, distinct, and memorable. I love and miss you all. My heart is filled with both love and pain for your loss, but so much love for the connections we share. And just so it’s clear, and always will be, Go Dodgers! Jay Taylor (Linda, when things slow down for you, if ever, and you have a minute, please shoot me a quick email with your email address so that I can email you and your family. Thank you. jaywtaylor@me.com
March 8 / 2025
John J. Palica
Coach O’Brien was absolutely the best Coach I ever played for. He was legendary in how he could motivate his team to play harder. He also listened to his players and asked for feedback when he wanted to try something during a game. He was a winner! Taught us all how to win at life. Taught me all about Christmas Tree lots and helped me with my business I ran for 9 years selling trees. Charismatic and cared about his players in their careers after moving on from his teams. Will always have great memories of playing for Coach O’Brien. 👏
March 10 / 2025
Steve Kadoich
RIP Coach…. Playing for you at North High gave me my first belief of in my value as a person, a leader, a student and an athlete…. You left such a life long impression on me that I myself became a high school Teacher and Coach . The principles you instilled in me I was able to “ play forward” for 28 years as a teacher and 36:years as a Football coach. Many young men( and women) were unindated with what you taught me …. Character, Work Hard .,have a positive attitude , be SELF motivated, Be persistent and never get satisfied… I am forever indebted for meeting you……. you shaped me and my whole family’s lives Respectfully, Coach Kad
March 13 / 2025

Tribute Wall

The obituary has no messages

Tribute Wall

Rich Johnson - Jim's Nephew
What a true blessing Uncle Jim has been to me in my life. When my father died when I was 25, Jim filled that empty hole in my life. He was always so supportive and encouraging to me. There are too many memories to even start to list here. I will be eternally grateful for the love he and Aunt Anna have shown to all of the O'Brien/Johnson family. Rest in peace Chief.
February 27 / 2025
Brian Scott
My association with Jim (aka “O B”) was over 50 years, he was a mentor and a friend. Jim could talk baseball with anyone and his dedication to the sport was unmatched. Jim developed a high school and junior college baseball teams into regional Power houses, he also developed a number of coaches that played under him, and a loyal, following from many of his former players. Jim loved to play cards (and if any of you know very competitive) and that is something I will surely miss , because my wife Rhonda & I would play monthly for 43 years, the partners were Jim & Rhonda and Brian & his wife Anna sometimes we would play until 1 or 2 in the morning because of the competitive nature of the four players. In the last 10 years or so Jim had a huge interest in the Padres and we would talk on the phone about what the lineup was or going to be, Jim loved to think ahead of what the Padres should be doing (once a coach always a coach). Jim & his WHOLE family were involved in a little tree selling operation also helped a lot of his players from North High & Harbor College there are enough memories to fill a Huge book plus the laughs that went with them. I know that my wife and I will surely miss him! We love you Jim.
February 28 / 2025
Anne and Bill Renshaw
I always loved being with Coach and Anna. Jim was BYU's biggest fan. He rarely missed a game. He was very caring of everyone, especially his players. He always wanted to know how you were doing when it was he who had just been in the hospital. Just when you thought he was at his end, he came back as good as ever. My love and prayers for Anna and her family.
March 5 / 2025
Ed Bowen
Coach Jim O’Brien, WOW a lifetime memories!! To me you were a Legend before I met you! Watching the 1966-1969 Saxon Teams on the sacred baseball field and in the dugout at home games! I was always fixated on the loud general #20 barking out plays and situations, directing his troops! You are larger than life to me! I would think to myself, that’s Coach O’Brien! Beginning my sophomore year 1972, I was invited to try out for the varsity baseball team!! Holy crap they just come off a 1971 pounding of Chaffee high school with the team of men who mastered what they are taught and worked for!! CIF AAAA Champions You put me in a position to succeed in that environment ! I quickly became apart Of the Saxon, baseball family and it began a hell of a ride! That sophomore season 1972 put me in the dugout with some of the best of the best in the south day! We were CIF runner’s up ANAHEIM STADIUM! You gave me the opportunity to start in right field and the game became bigger than life that evening! We came up a run short to a great Dominguez team, but we weren’t done yet! We needed to return! Looking back the next year 1973 became a rebuilding period. We battled and fought got filthy and bled we always left everything on the field! What came next was epic! 1974 History is made! I found myself back on the biggest stage in high school baseball the CIF AAAA championship Anaheim Stadium with you! That Tuesday night we entertained a crowd of 10K + ,11 innings of one of the best baseball games ever at any level!! We sent the crowd home at 11 o’clock at night and a 0 to 0 tie!! Damn, what’s next? USC on Saturday He’ll yeah! 7 innings Damn Right! You led a dug out full of young men to the pinnacle of high school baseball against the best of the best that year!! A season of all seasons, and surely a season for the record books! 18 innings 1-0 North Torrance 1974 CIF AAAA CHAMPIONS!! 1974 CIF SS Team Of theYear!! After Coach O’Brien‘s tenure at Harbor College.I had a son who played baseball for San Diego Mesa (2000). Mesa traveled to Harbor College to face the Seahawks (RATS)? I shared the difficult environment my son would face with him and I made the trip to watch the game. Not to my surprise, coach was sitting in the stands, and I was able to sit next to him, and all we talked was baseball! During that game, harbor’s dugout (RATS) were Loud all over the third baseman for San Diego Mesa to the point that he was almost crying! Anybody that’s been to a harbor game knows what I’m talking about! In between innings while throwing the ball around the shortstop from San Diego Mesa had had enough of the ragging and brutality. Protecting his third baseman he fired a fastball into the dugout and scattered the Seahawks! Yeah, shortstop was my son! Saxon blood! Played Saxon style baseball passed down to him with pride. Coach O’Brien‘s knowledge and ability to win on the baseball field and carry that scrappy attitude has been shared with hundreds of ball players, their children, and grandchildren! Your teachings of the greatest game on the planet will be carried on for generations! Jim O’Brien RIP  I call you “COACH”  Thanks for taking me on the ride!
March 7 / 2025
Jay W. Taylor
My heart is both overflowing and broken as I grieve the loss of Coach O’Brien. I wish to express my deep love to each of you individually, Anna, Kathy, Linda, Kerry, Cathy, Sean, and Casey - and all of you as a family together with your families. Coach O’Brien was one of the greatest individuals I have ever known. I am humbled just to know that he, and his family cared so much about me. During my most formative years, Coach O’Brien served me as a mentor, an example, and head cheerleader. Who would have known a men’s collegiate baseball national coach of the year had such a talent for cheerleading? It didn’t matter what my endeavor, or how much he knew about what I was doing or trying to do, he always greeted me or left me with enthusiastic words of both praise and go take it on. Never doubting my ability or the or the loftiness of my objective, it was always positive reinforcement, always given with a smile and in his inimitable coach’s voice and coach’s speak, to go get it and that I can’t lose. And Coach’s body language, tone, and confidence always let me know he believed in what he said. My world would not have been the same without Coach O’Brien and the O’Brien family. And one finally note for the record: I think the debate should be closed on the best father-son selling duo at the North Torrance Christmas Tree Lot. Frank Loo and Jay Taylor should be the unanimous choice. But as far as profitability goes, I actually used to sell the trees at a profitable, my charitable dad, with a heart like yours, larger-than-life, I think used to sell under the buy one get one free program. But man could he sell those trees. If you’re reading this Coach, I hope you can think back to home much fun my Dad brought to the lot and how no matter how hectic things were he could always make you smile and shake your head at the same time. As Frank would have said, “Good times!” I can’t close this memory out without honoring the rest of the O’Brien family and again honoring them and thanking them for all of the love and support they have given me. If I started down memory lane here, I would quickly run out of characters to describe how important you all are to me and to share some of our memories, because those memories, and the individual relationships which I had with Anna, Kathy, Linda, and Kerry, are all so precious, distinct, and memorable. I love and miss you all. My heart is filled with both love and pain for your loss, but so much love for the connections we share. And just so it’s clear, and always will be, Go Dodgers! Jay Taylor (Linda, when things slow down for you, if ever, and you have a minute, please shoot me a quick email with your email address so that I can email you and your family. Thank you. jaywtaylor@me.com
March 8 / 2025
John J. Palica
Coach O’Brien was absolutely the best Coach I ever played for. He was legendary in how he could motivate his team to play harder. He also listened to his players and asked for feedback when he wanted to try something during a game. He was a winner! Taught us all how to win at life. Taught me all about Christmas Tree lots and helped me with my business I ran for 9 years selling trees. Charismatic and cared about his players in their careers after moving on from his teams. Will always have great memories of playing for Coach O’Brien. 👏
March 10 / 2025
Steve Kadoich
RIP Coach…. Playing for you at North High gave me my first belief of in my value as a person, a leader, a student and an athlete…. You left such a life long impression on me that I myself became a high school Teacher and Coach . The principles you instilled in me I was able to “ play forward” for 28 years as a teacher and 36:years as a Football coach. Many young men( and women) were unindated with what you taught me …. Character, Work Hard .,have a positive attitude , be SELF motivated, Be persistent and never get satisfied… I am forever indebted for meeting you……. you shaped me and my whole family’s lives Respectfully, Coach Kad
March 13 / 2025

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