James “Jim” O’Reilly
July 20, 1944 – April 21, 2025
James “Jim” O’Reilly, dedicated husband, father, grandpa, and friend of many passed on April 21, 2025, at the age of 80 in Mesa, AZ. Jim was born to Pat and Arlene O’Reilly in Lewistown, MT; the oldest son of this large, Irish Catholic family that resided in Roy, MT. Jim had many stories of shoveling coal, milking the cows and hauling water to the house. While a Jr. in high school, he moved to Lewistown, MT, to live with his beloved grandparents.
Jim attended and graduated St. Leo’s High School, where he met his wife, of 60 years, Sharon Pipinich O’Reilly. Somehow, he managed to marry the kindest, prettiest, and smartest girl in Lewistown. She always said there was never a dull moment with Jim in her life, his quick wit always made her smile. They welcomed and raised a daughter, Tracey, and son, Keith.
We all have a sad story. We either make it your excuse or use it as motivation, Jim lived by these words. He had no room for excuses. Jim had a deep seeded determination to succeed. He prided himself on being up at the crack of dawn and working until it was dark, failure wasn’t an option. If you do a job, give it your best or don’t do it at all. He practiced what he preached and led by example. Jim found great purpose sharing in the successes, joys and challenges of those around him.
His proudest accomplishment was his family. Jim was authentically and wholeheartedly there for those in his life. Throughout the years he enjoyed his cars, horses,
motorcycles, tractors, grandkids, and dogs. He loved telling stories about his long sales career with Snap on Tools and the many awards he earned. Many customers and colleagues state and nation wide became his life-long friends and marveled at his ideas on how to improve almost any situation.
He would have been the first to tell you he had an amazing life. Cheers Jim, we can’t thank you enough for being the husband, father, brother, uncle, grandpa and friend that everyone should have the pleasure of knowing. Heaven has gained a Montana Cowboy. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Douglas, Mike, and Ed Brooks; sisters, Patti, Kathy, and Barbara.
He is survived by the love of his life, Sharon; Tracey and Keith (Debby) O’Reilly; grandchildren, Hayden (Brooke) Haft, Margo (Charles) Peterson, Payton, Callahan, McCade, and Kennedy O’Reilly; brothers, John (Nancy), Tom (Maureen), Tim (Beth); sisters, Mary Satterfield and Theresa Desmarais; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A Celebration of life will be held in Montana in the near future. Our family is grateful for all your kindness and support.
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