To order flowers for James, please contact Dakota Rose Floral in Valley City at 701-845-3291 or visit www.dakotarosefloral.org

James C. O'Brien passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026, at the age of 90 years.  Throughout his life James showed strength, compassion, love of family and friends, appreciation for the beauty of nature, and expressed gratitude for his long life, which was filled with wonderful experiences.

When he met Betty on that cold, icy day, he knew she was the one he would spend the rest of his life with.  She was the love of his life.  James and Betty enjoyed a wonderful, loving and supportive marriage of 36 years until Betty's unexpected passing.  Together they raised six children and enjoyed spending time with their large extended family.

James was a man who believed and displayed throughout his life, that if you have a strong faith in God, work hard, have determination, and maintain a high ethical standard, you will be successful in all endeavors.  He worked as an engineer for 43 years at the North Dakota State Highway Department.  He was also an active member of the North Dakota National Guard for many years.  He liked spending time on the farm working with his brothers and socializing with family and friends at the Eagles.  He enjoyed gardening, reading, and tinkering on various engines.

James is survived by his children, Gloria, Irene, Larry (Lisa), Diana (Duane), Sue (Jim), and Gale (Mario); his 16 grandchildren; and 29 great grandchildren; brother, Lloyd; sister, Mary Emke; brother-in-law, Edward Moug; and sisters-in-law, Marie O'Brien and Carolyn O'Brien.

He was preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Betty; parents, Augusta and Joseph O'Brien, Sr.; siblings, Joseph (Betty and Margaret), Francis, Charles, Lawrence infant, Maurice (Lillie), Louis, Lucy (Ben) Lockwood, Alice (Alvin) Widmer, Lillian Moug, Dale, Dennis (Janet), and Earl.

A time to celebrate his life will be held at Traditions Funeral Home Lerud Mathias Funeral Home Chapel, Valley City on Thursday, February 12 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  At 7:00, the Rosary will be prayed in memory of James.  The funeral Mass will be 10:30 AM, Friday, February 13, 2026, in St. Catherine's Catholic Church, Valley City with visitation the hour prior to the service.  He will be laid to rest with Betty at St. Catherine Cemetery in the spring with military honors.  The funeral service will be live streamed, then archived, on a link provided along with his obituary on his tribute page at www.lerudmathias.com.  An online guestbook is available there as well.