MARYVILLE TENNESSEE- James Hastings O’Brien, 88, husband of the late Meribah Ann (Leach) O’Brien, of Maryville, died Tuesday, January 27, 2004 at the Colonial Hills Nursing Home, Maryville, Tennessee. Born in Marblehead on November 11, 1915, he was the son of the late James F. and Hazel P. O’Brien.
Educated at the University of Michigan, he was a graduate of the class of 1937. He received his graduate degree in chemistry in 1947.
Governed by a lifelong sense of honor, duty and discipline, he enlisted in the armed forces. He served with the 652nd Bomb Squadron of the United States Air Force in Alconbury, England during WWII. He retired from the Air Force Reserve in 1968 with the rank of Major.
On September 7, 1946, he married the “love of his life” the late Meribah (Leach) O’Brien in Salem, MA. The O’Briens moved to Oak Ridge, TN in 1947.
Mr. O’Brien was employed by Union Carbide - Lockheed Martin as a chemist. He retired in 1979 after 32 years.
He is survived by two daughters, Meribah Ann Carter of Plano, TX , Melissa O’Brien of Maryville, TN, three grandchildren, Stephanie Pense of Jacksonville, TX, Gregory Tallent and Sarah Tallent, both of Maryville, TN. He was the brother of the late Louise Sidmore and Betty Markham.
A private graveside service was held at Waterside Cemetery, Marblehead, at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the Blount Memorial Foundation, 330 S. Washington St., Maryville, TN 37804. Arrangements by the Full-Spychalski Funeral home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem. For guestbook, visit www.MarbleheadFuneral.com