Losing Jimmy O’Brien

We are heartbroken to say we lost Jimmy on February 14, 2024 in his sleep. PJ and I are still in shock and trying to process it all. The outpouring of love and support and messages both PJ and I have been receiving from friends, family, and the BMX community, is not going unnoticed, and we apologize if we haven’t responded right away. PJ and I are honoring Jimmy's wishes the best that we can at this time. Needless to say we were not prepared for this in any way. -He wanted to be cremated and have his ashes spread in the Gulf. So to say I have some comfort in knowing how happy Jimmy was to have been living in FL, makes me happy that we moved here 2 1/2 years ago.   -He also did not want any kind of service or gathering. I can't say down the line if we will have a celebration of life in FL or NJ. I know how many people want to be here for PJ and I during this time and pay respects. I am open to people coming by and sharing hugs and memories with PJ and I. I didn't think I could feel worse than I did that morning, but I do. I know it is okay to cry, scream, rely on help and others, and even be alone.  I also am trying to be strong for PJ and be there for him, but give him his chance to grieve, and he is trying to be strong for me. We are also trying to figure out what the next steps are, what we need to do, and what we will feel up to doing, as the days go by. According to PJ’s tribute that he posted (which was from his heart) he has expressed wanting to attend Rock Hill, as that was a special track for he and Jim, and doing it for Jim. The last phone call they had was Jim wanting to help PJ get what he needed for his bike. I know Jim was making phone calls, Jim was telling me how much he wanted to give PJ what he needed. There was nothing Jimmy and I loved more than watching PJ race and supporting ANY dreams PJ had. It could’ve been on the track, if he wanted to pick up a trade, or go to college now or down the road. It didn’t matter…we believed in him and told him, do what you want to do now and there will be time later to do everything else. I know Jimmy will be guiding PJ from above (and hopefully keeping him safe)in any decision PJ makes with his heart. I want PJ to have it all. Please help PJ anyway you can. Pj and I would also love to hear your memories you have of Jim, so if you wanted to leave them as a comment or message me, or come by, we’d love to hear. Thank you.