Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, Tuesday, November 26, 2024. Devoted husband of the late Mary Carol O’Leary (McCormick), the love of his life for over 64 years after meeting on St. Patrick’s Day during military leave.
Dear father of Kathleen O’Leary, Michael (Susan) O’Leary, Daniel (Linda) O’Leary, Peggy (Jeffrey) O’Leary Grever, James (Julie) O’Leary. Loving grandfather of Patrick, Kelsey, Brad, Mindy and Benjamin; dearest brother of the late Marilyn Smith (Bert) and Brother William O’Leary, S.M.; our dear brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, cousin and friend to so many.
Jim (BIG O), age 92, passed away peacefully at home in the presence of his children.
Jim’s life started during the Great Depression in 1932, He grew up in south St. Louis in St. Margaret of Scotland Parish with his brother Bill and sister Marilyn under the watchful eye of his mother Cecelia (Curran) and father Daniel O’Leary. Jim graduated McBride High School in 1950 and entered the US Navy serving his country on the USS Wren – DD568 during the Korean War (2018 Honor Flight participant).
Jim began his professional career as an entrepreneur owner of the “Town Pump” bar on Juniata Street before starting a 29-year career at Anheuser-Busch, Inc. He worked in the Power Plant as a boiler operator, Stationary Engineer, and Lead Man of the Day Gang Maintenance Crew while serving as the President of Teamsters Local #367 – Firemen and Oilers. Jim took pride in the fact that he was retired (1991) longer than he worked at A-B.
Jim loved and lived life to the fullest having been a regular at golf (hole-in-one at Moses Lake, Washington), trout fishing, indian ball, cards, and shuffleboard. He enjoyed traveling with family and longtime friends. Jim offered his time to coach the teams of his young children at Holy Family Parish. He and a couple of dedicated parish dads started the CYC Soccer program enjoyed by countless youth over the years. Jim was also a distinguished member of the McBride High School Alumni, USS-Wren DD568 Alumni, Ancient Order of Hibernians, A-B Retirees, Gateway Corkball Club, and Trout Slayers Hall of Fame.
Services: Visitation at Kutis Affton Chapel Sunday December 8, 2:00-6:00 PM,. Funeral Mass Monday December 9 11:30 AM at Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church (676 W. Lockwood Ave. 63119). Inurnment JB National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the The Joshua Chamberlain Society, Team Activities for Special Kids – TASK Stl, or The Society of Mary are appreciated.
Jim was my baseball coach, my soccer coach, my golfing buddy, my friend, spread out over 50 years. I’m happy for him to be reunited with Carol now. Good people, great couple.
I was fortunate enough to have known Mr. Oleary and have been coached by him a few years back.
So many great memories between the Oleary and Cox family.
My condolences to all of you in the loss of your father.
You are all in my prayers.
Mr O’Leary was an all around amazing man – and I’m glad to have known him and been coached by him. He will be missed…
It’s hard to express in words just how much BIG O and I were connected.
He was a great friend, fishing buddy, golfing pal, shuffleboard partner and card playing foe. After my father passed away at a young age, Jim took me under his wing and I became his surrogate son.
I will miss him more than you can ever imagine. RIP and see you on the other side.
Sorry for your loss Todd.
Jim was a fun loving cousin who could make a family reunion lots of fun. He will be missed.
I am sorry to hear of Uncle Jim’s passing. I know he missed aunt Carol. Give my dad, sisters and brother a hug for me.