James A. O'Brien Jr. | Insurance executive, 76

James A. O'Brien Jr., 76, of Springfield, Delaware County, a retired insurance executive, died Tuesday of complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at Springfield Hospital.

Mr. O'Brien grew up in West Oak Lane and graduated from La Salle College High School. During the Korean War, he served in an Army counterintelligence division in Texas.

After his discharge, he earned a bachelor's degree from La Salle University and then worked for Employers Group Insurance Co. He met his future wife, Marie Kane, when she submitted a car-damage claim.

In 1958, he joined State Farm Insurance Co. He remained with the company until retiring as director of management planning in 1994. He then served on the board of the Pennsylvania Property and Casualty Insurance Guaranty Association, and was its board chairman for 12 years until 2003.

Mr. O'Brien enjoyed summers by his backyard pool with family and friends, and winters in Naples, Fla. He was an enthusiastic Eagles, Phillies and Flyers fan.

In addition to his wife of 49 years, he is survived by daughters Bonnie Howell and Trish; three sisters; three grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.

A Funeral Mass will be said at 11 a.m. today at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 136 Saxer Ave., Springfield. Friends may call from 9 a.m. Mr. O'Brien was a church lector and was past vice president of the St. Francis Assisi Home and School Association. Burial will be SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Marple Township.