Thomas "Tj" James O'Brien

Thomas James O'Brien "TJ", age 45, completed his journey on earth on December 26, 2024, after a courageous battle with epithelioid sarcoma, at his home in Vernal, Utah, surrounded by family and loved ones. TJ was born on August 30, 1979, in Glenwood Springs, Colorado to Thomas and Denise (Murphy) O'Brien. Although he only lived in Colorado until he was six, that was long enough for him to become a lifelong Denver Broncos fan. The rest of his childhood was spent in Saratoga Springs, New York, which explains his love for the New York Yankees. In 1999, TJ moved to Jensen, Utah to live with his uncle and aunt, who shaped him into the humble, hardworking and loving man he came to be. TJ ultimately settled in Vernal, Utah. As a member of the 12 step recovery community, TJ's life took on new meaning as he recovered and helped others in recovery. He was committed to serving and giving back what was freely given to him. He was forever thankful to his sponsor, fellow members and sponsors. TJ worked in the oil and gas industry, most recently for Koda Resources LLC. He was deeply moved by Koda's support for him during his illness. TJ also started his own window cleaning business in Vernal, so he could be seen up high on ladders getting the job done all over town. TJ's most treasured gifts were his precious daughter and four cherished stepchildren. He was a loving and devoted father and nothing brought him more joy than time spent with his children. His children will always remember him for being kind and putting others before himself, for making them laugh with his clowning around, and for teaching them to have fun, work hard, love wholeheartedly, and trust in God's plan. With his free time, TJ enjoyed helping coach his daughter's softball team and was always cheering her on at her wrestling practices and meets. TJ's other great love was the outdoors. He was an adventure seeker and enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, and cycling every chance that he got. Even while battling cancer he did not miss an opportunity to climb a mountain or explore a slot canyon. TJ leaves behind his daughter, Savaya O'Brien, and his stepchildren from his former marriage to Tawny Temples: Sydona Temples, Sakora (Logan) Mecham, Sumarri (Keaton) Caldwell, and Kyle (Kelsey) Barris. He is also survived by his loving mother, Denise (Michael) Matich, his sister, Open (James) Banks, his uncle and aunt, David and Vanita O'Brien, his cousins, John O'Brien and Mollie (Travis) Green, three baby grandchildren (Cassius, Easton and Keenan), many beloved cousins, nephews, and nieces, an amazing community of friends, and his "man's best friend," Tucker. TJ was predeceased by his father, Thomas O'Brien Sr, and his sister, Catherine O'Brien. "God Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference." In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Sarcoma Foundation of America. https://curesarcoma.org/ Funeral services for TJ will be held Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 12:00pm at the Phillips Ashley Valley Funeral Home. Visitation for family and friends will be held Friday from 6:00pm ~ 8:00pm and Saturday from 10:45am ~ 11:45am all at the funeral home. Interment in the Jensen Cemetery.