James M. O’Brien, 76, of Hagerstown, MD, passed away on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at his home after a long illness.

Born November 23, 1949, in Manhattan, New York, he was the son of James and Theresa (O’Hara) O’Brien.

After graduating from Johns Hopkins University in 1971, James obtained a Masters in Psychology from Catholic University. He then did doctoral work at George Washington University before starting a career in School Psychology in Washington County, MD.

It was there, during his over-30-year career, that James would meet the love of his life, Catherine Ling. James and Cathy married in August of 1987, and had two daughters, whom he loved dearly.

Outside of work, James found joy in the things he loved most: a good book, a long talk with a friend, or being outdoors. He also enjoyed riding his bike and pursuing his interests in genealogy and theology. Endlessly curious, James was always reading, learning or exploring something new.

James’ love of learning lead him to the most important thing in his life: his relationship with Jesus Christ. Not just taking things at face value, James dug deep into theology and had a love of the writings of both Michael Card and John Piper. One of his favorite verses in the Bible was Exodus 15:21 where Miriam praises God for delivering the Israelites from the Egyptians: “‘Sing to the LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.’”

James was also a deeply generous man who believed in doing what was right, even when it wasn’t what was easiest. He was thoughtful in the way he lived and the way he treated others, always willing to give his time, help, or support when someone needed it.

He is survived by his wife, Catherine; his daughters, Grace (David) Hopkins and Stephanie O’Brien; his sisters, Rosemary Pallassino and Deborah O’Brien; and three grandchildren.

James is preceded in death by his mother, father, and brother-in-law, Peter Pallassino.

A Celebration of Life service will be held 11a.m. Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Evangel Baptist Church, 17922 Broadfording Rd., Hagerstown, MD.

Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a memorial donation be made to Child Evangelism Fellowship of Northwest Maryland, P.O. Box 2715, Hagerstown, MD 21741.