James E O'Brien

James Edward O’Brien, husband of Sarah Coleman O’Brien, passed away early Sunday, August 18, 2024, at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah.

James was born in Candler County and lived in the Metter area all of his life.  He was the only son of Maurice Johnson O’Brien and Rubye Chapman O’Brien and grew up in the house on 445 W. Broad Street.  He was a graduate of Metter High School, Class of 1958 and on October 23, 1963, married Sarah Coleman of Metter.  Throughout his working career, James held many positions in several jobs.  He worked for Taylor Funeral Home, Taylor Ambulance Service, and the nursing homes that were owned by the Taylor family.  He continued his work in funeral service at Kennedy Funeral Homes, Metter, successor to Taylor Funeral Home and Kennedy Funeral Homes, Cobbtown Chapel.  He was an insurance agent with Southland Life Insurance Company and was awarded the top seller award during his time there.  For the last thirty years of his career, James worked for the Georgia Department of Corrections at Reidsville State Prison as an officer.  He was loved by his co-workers and was a trusted employee of the prison and the Reidsville Prison Fire Department where he often helped cover call.   While at the prison, he continued to work at Kennedy Funeral Homes at their Hooks Chapel and Cobbtown Chapel.  James, along with his wife Sarah, were longtime members of Metter First Baptist Church and on May 7, 2017, joined Cedar Street Baptist Church where they have been attending for sometime.  James’  heart for service was evident in his working career, in his church, and in his love and consideration for others.

Surviving are his wife, Sarah Coleman O’Brien of Metter; two sons, Jim O’Brien and his wife, Jerri of Metter, and Jamey O’Brien and his fiancée, Susan Sikes, of Metter; his grandchildren, Elizabeth O’Brien, Fallon (Cody) McCranie, and Delanie O’Brien; a great-grandson, Douglas McCranie; and several nieces and nephews.

The visitation will be held Tuesday evening from 5 until 7 o’clock in the evening at Kennedy Funeral Homes, Hooks Chapel, of Metter.

The funeral service will be held at 11 o’clock in the morning on Wednesday at Cedar Street Baptist Church with Rev. Bo Fulginiti officiating.

Interment will follow in Lake Cemetery.

Kennedy Funeral Homes, Hooks Chapel, of Metter is in charge of the arrangements.