James Patrick O’Brien, 53, of Punta Gorda, FL died at home on February 14, 2024.

He was born in Middlesex, NJ in 1971 and lived in Iselin, NJ and Edison, NJ. James attended John F. Kennedy High School before attending Middlesex County College.  He worked at Peerless Beverage Company in Union, NJ and Action Yamaha in Metuchen, NJ, and most recently at AMD Supply in Ft. Myers, FL. James had a love of drag racing and working on cars, as well as racing BMX, which he did alongside his son.

He met his wife Dina in 1999, and they married in 2001.  In 2005, they welcomed their son, Patrick James “PJ.” PJ was James’ pride and joy, and they were often found traveling the country attending BMX races and working on PJ’s bike in between motos. On Sunday, it was his tradition to wear his Kool-Aid shirt as he cheered on PJ.  Besides traveling for BMX, he raced locally at EHT, CJBMX and HCBMX and earned many awards.  One of James’ biggest accomplishments was beating throat and neck cancer in 2021.

In 2021, he moved with his family to Punta Gorda, FL. He enjoyed taking the motorcycle out for rides and relaxing in the pool.  He continued to be seen at the BMX track and stayed in touch with many of his friends from up north.  It didn’t matter how many miles apart they were; they were close at heart.  He was looking forward to attending Bike Week this year in March.

James was predeceased by his mother, Catherine (Dolan) O’Brien and his aunt, Patricia Brinkofski.  He is survived by his wife, Dina (Santos) O’Brien, his son, Patrick James O’Brien, his aunt Mary Walsh, his uncle’s Larry Walsh and Benjamin Brinkofski, his cousins Raymond Walsh (Margie) and Kelly Bertolino (PJ), his godparents Ceil and Eddie Johnson, his nieces Laura and Kelcie Haver, his nephew Keithan Haver, his sister-in-law Lorinda Haver (Kevin), and cousins Brooke and Kaela Bertolino, Veronica Neely (Scott), and Matthew Walsh, and many dear friends.

Services celebrating James’ life will be held at a later date.  Cremation was private.

Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family. Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Homes & Crematory Punta Gorda Chapel.