James A. O’Brian ’42

Jim died peacefully Feb. 24, 2021, at age 100.

A lifelong Toronto resident, Jim graduated from St. Andrew’s College before entering Princeton, the only Canadian in our class. In 1941 he withdrew from Princeton before graduation to join the Royal Canadian Air Force. After training in England, he flew Spitfires in North Africa, northern Europe, and Italy.

After discharge from the RCAF, Jim returned to Canada and earned a bachelor’s degree from Trinity College in Toronto. In 1950 he was certified as a chartered accountant and joined George Hendrie & Sons, where he worked until retirement in 1985.

After retirement Jim kept busy with volunteer work at St. Simon’s Church, Ontario Trillium Foundation, St. John’s Convalescent Home, Out of the Cold, North Pigeon Lake Association, and Springbank Woods.

In 2012 Jim’s wife, Annie, died shortly after they celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

The class extends its condolences to Jim’s children, Geoffrey, Jennifer, and Maggie, and his entire extended family.