Longtime Irish Boston community leader Jim O’Brien, of Lowell, formerly of Scituate, died on March 1. He was 84. A native of New Haven, CT, he attended Boston College on a full football scholarship. He had a brief professional career with the Detroit Lions and the Buffalo Bills that was cut short due to injury. In the late 1960s he founded the class ring and diploma company, O’Brien and Johnson.

After many trips to Ireland, he had an idea to bring American football to the Emerald Isle. His dream was realized in 1988 when he brought thousands of Americans to Dublin to watch “The Match” between Army and Boston College. This was known as the Emerald Isle Classic. He was later inducted into BC’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

During his life, he worked with many organizations, including the Boston Irish Reporter, te Irish Chamber of Commerce USA (ICCUSA), and the Special Olympics. 

Loving father of Kevin B. O’Brien and his wife, Michele, of Sandwich, and Tracy Foulsham and her husband, Paul, of Weymouth. Longtime partner of Nicola “Niki” Tsongas of Lowell. Former husband of Millicent “Penny” O’Brien of Hull. Brother of the late Joyce Sheehan. Papa of Kelsey, Julia, Michael, Kyle, and Molly. Jim-Jim to Declan, Nina, Niko, Callum, and Mae. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.  Funeral services were celebrated on March 8, with burial in Middletown, CT. Memorial donations may be made to Special Olympics Massachusetts, 512 Forest Street, Marlborough,