James Joseph O'Brien III

James Joseph O'Brien III, affectionately known as Jim or Jimmy, 78, passed away peacefully at his home on February 19, 2025, surrounded by loving family and friends. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Scott’s Funeral Home. The family will welcome visitors one hour prior to the service. Interment with full military honors will be held at 9:15 a.m., Monday , March 3, 2025 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.   

Born on August 10, 1946, in El Paso, Texas, Jimmy spent his formative years as a military brat, living in Houston, England, and Lubbock, proudly considering Randolph Air Force Base as his hometown. As a member of the graduating class of Randolph High School in 1964, Jim distinguished himself as a competitive athlete and served as Co-Captain of the football team. He went on to attend Southwest Texas State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1970. It was during his college years that he met the love of his life, Linda, whom he married at Live Oak Baptist Church in Gatesville, Texas, in 1968. Together, they shared 56 beautiful years filled with love and companionship.

In 1966, Jim entered the United States Air Force Reserves as a paramedic, receiving his commission and beginning active duty in 1971. Throughout his military career, he was accompanied by Linda and their sons, James and Jeffrey, to various duty stations in North Dakota, Arkansas, California, Nebraska, and England. Jim dedicated 24 years of service to the military, his career culminated as the Squadron Commander of the 394th Missile Maintenance Squadron, where he achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

After retiring in 1991, the O'Brien family settled in Gatesville, Texas, where Jim embarked on a rewarding second career at Central Texas College in Killeen. He served as Director of Facilities Maintenance for 18 years before retiring in 2011.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Chief Master Sergeant James O'Brien II and Lilian O'Brien; his sister, Carole Fox; and his beloved son, James O'Brien IV. He is survived by his devoted wife, Linda O'Brien; his son, Jeffrey O'Brien, and daughter-in-law Crystal O'Brien; and six cherished grandchildren: Tyler O'Brien, Caitlyn O'Brien, Kelsey O'Brien, Shannon O'Brien, Allison O'Brien, and James Jacob O'Brien.

Remembered as a kind, wise, and generous person, Jim's legacy of love and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed by family, friends, and the many lives he touched.