James "JT" Thomas O'Bryan Jr.

James Thomas “JT” O’Bryan, Jr. died Memorial Day, 27 May 2019 at home. JT was a World War II soldier; he was awarded the bronze star. He prayed fervently every day. He was also an avid rabbit hunter and was known to have some of the best beagle hounds in the country. He also loved making elderberry wine as a gift to his friends (he did not drink), pitching washers, playing Pedro, and Yahtzee. He was a hardworking man who, with the exception of World War II, spent his entire life working and living on a farm. He was also a part-time truck driver, a night watchman, a bartender, an employee at the cigar factory, and was a janitor at Apolo High School. He also mowed lawns for hire until the age of 93. He and his family were members of St. Raphael’s and St. Alphonsus’ parishes.

Mr. O’Bryan, 100, was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Mary Angela Wayne-O’Bryan, and his son, Tommy (1957); and pretty much everyone else that he knew well.

JT is survived by his children Patrick (Becky), Mary Theresa Skaggs (Gary), Judy Vincent (Mike), Bill, Sharon Snyder, Robert and Ricky (Grace). He has 18 grandchildren, 30 great, and 2 great-great grandchildren. Mr. O’Bryan was born into this world by his parents James Thomas Sr. and Mary Hayden. Of his eight siblings, JT, although not the youngest born into his family, is the last.

Mass will be 2:00 pm Friday, May 31, 2019 at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, with Father Richard Powers officiating. Burial will follow at St. Rapheal Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and again from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm at the funeral home. Prayers will be 7:30 pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of gifts, donations are asked to be sent to the Carmel Home, 2501 Old Hartford Road, Owensboro, Kentucky, where he was proud to have never stayed.

Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory is both honored and privileged to be entrusted with the care of Mr. O’Bryan Share your messages of condolence with the family of James Thomas “JT’ O’Bryan at www.haleymcginnis.com