Obituary of James Edward O'Bryan, Jr.

ALBANY, NY- JAMES E. O'BRYAN, Jr. James E. O’Bryan was called home to the Lord on May 6, 2014 after a long illness and a valiant struggle. Jim was born May 27, 1931 in Catskill, NY to James E. Sr and Katherine (Saxe) O’Bryan. He graduated from Albany High School and then on October 23, 1950 enlisted in the US Navy. He served on several ships, including the USS Yorktown during the Korean Conflict. After Jim received his Honorable Discharge in 1954 he returned to Albany to continue his education. He enrolled at Albany University in the Business Division. It was there that he met his first wife, Theodora Arlene Luther. They were married on June 22, 1957 in Harrisville, NY at the Harrisville United Methodist Church. Newly married and having a family to support, Jim enrolled in the evening division at Russell Sage College while working days. He earned his B.S. in Business Administration in 1962 and worked for several companies over the years. Jim’s first marriage ended in 1970. He then married Ellen Marsha Welch on November 20, 1972 in East Greenbush, NY at the home of the brides brother, Frank Welch. Their marriage ended in 1976. In 1987, while working at NYS Taxation and Finance, Jim met his soulmate Pamela Anne Slyer. They married on June 10, 1989 in Rensselaer, NY at the United Presbyterian Church and enjoyed a loving union of nearly 25 years. They enjoyed trips to Lake George, visits with family and both volunteered at the Focus food pantry in Albany. Pam was Jim’s primary caregiver during his decline which allowed him to remain at home until the last few weeks of his life, something that Jim and his children deeply appreciated. Jim was predeceased by his father in 1965, his brother-in-law Peter Priputen in 2006, and his mother in 2010. Jim is survived by his wife Pam and his children; Theodore James (Holley) O’Bryan of West Winfield, NY, Sean Michael O’Bryan of Wyantskill, NY, Laura Suzanne Kellar of Schenectady, NY and Margaret Elizabeth (Sean) Trask of Simpsonville, SC. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Eric, Katie and Molly O’Bryan, Rae Kellar, and Ava and Julia Trask, his sister Jean Priputen, nephew Steven Priputen, and nieces Nancy (Bill) Madrian and Beth (Tom) Tilley. There will be no visitation. Friends are invited to attend a memorial service for Jim beginning at 11AM on May 31, 2014 at the New Covenant Presbyterian Church located at 916 Western Avenue, Albany, NY 12203. Pastor Katie Stenta will officiate the service. Interment will be on June 2, 2014 at 10AM in the Gerald B.H. Solomon - Saratoga National Cemetery, located at 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY 12871. Jim’s family wish to thank the staff at St Peter’s Hospital Coronary Care Unit and the Community Hospice at St. Peter’s for their compassionate care during Jim’s final days. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Jim’s memory to either the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation or the American Heart Association.