James O'Rourke Obituary

For nearly 6 years, 3 times a week, I worked out in the gym with Jim O'Rourke. I miss him. His friends at the Fitness Co. buzzed with the sad news of his illness and final passing. Some visited and shared the news, many felt his loss. He and I talked politics, "I'm BUShhhhhed!", he often greeted me. He was excited about our political future, vexed by our TV use of language, alive and fully connected. I can still see him standing tall. His life made a difference to the very end. I am glad to have known him. Enjoy your memories and his fine example. God love you all.

To the James J. O'Rourke Family, Several weeks before Jim became ill we spoke on the telephone; he asked me how long we had been friends? I responded, well over fifty years, and asked him why? Jim told me he had been looking through some of his old family photos, and came upon a picture of his grandfather and a friend. On the back of the photo was inscribed " my friend tried and true". That too, is my recollection of my friend Jim. No other will fill the void.

To the O"Rourke Family - Our condolences to all of you on the loss of your brother, Uncle, and friend. We will coninnue to keep you all in our prayers. Most sincerely, Bill and Marian Middendorf, Bethany Beach, De.

To the O'Rourke Family
I will always have a special place in my heart for Jim. He was family. He always kept me on my toes,always quizzing me on many different subjects. I always looked up to him. Talk about a role model, we were truly blessed to have him as a friend. He was a kid at heart,which is why all of my brothers and sister adored him, you couldn't help but to do so. He is the main reason I'm not a Cubs fan, he was a White Sox fan and as he taught me from the age of 2, you can't be both, I can't thank him enough for that!

I'm sure Jim is up in Heaven, in a special place, and probably giving orders right now. Thank you Jim, for the laughter and being so kind to all of us, you will forever be in our hearts.

Edward, Ann I'm so very sorry,my prayers are with you.

Greg

In memory of James, from an old co-worker at the Broward MPO.

James Joseph O’Rourke or “Jimmy Joe” as I affectionately called him was my Godfather. In a million men, I don’t think there ever was a better example of what it means to be a Godfather. So lucky I’ve been all these years to call Jim my Godfather.

Jim lived his life devoted to God and family, education and work, and of course baseball. It’s no coincidence that he left us during Lent and on 3-9-09 for his love of God and baseball will forever be my strongest memories of Jim.

Jim loved to tell jokes and had a sharp wit and keen sense of humor. Of all the classic jokes he shared with me over the years my favorite is still the one he told me as a child:
How do we know God is a baseball fan?
Because only a baseball fan would start off his book with the phrase "In the big inning..."
Jim was there in my beginning. I have never known life without him. His presence -always larger than life, his booming broadcaster’s voice, his laughter – his laughter – Jim had the most heartfelt laughter that I’ve ever heard. Such a precious gift – Jim’s laugh.
Jim not only loved baseball but games of all kinds. On his visits to my childhood home in Chicago unlike many other adults, Jim loved to play board and card games with me and my brothers. When we would play the card game of War as he flipped each card, Jim would yell out – ACE! Even though the odds were only 4 in 52 every time he would draw he would yell out ACE! and nearly make it sound like a 3 syllable word.
Sometimes I think that maybe Jim was proud of me, his God daughter, as we shared our love of games and particularly baseball as demonstrated through my career with the San Diego Padres and ESPN. A few years ago Jim gave me his very own personal first ever issue of Sports Illustrated magazine completely in tact including baseball trading card page. I will cherish this periodical for the rest of my life.
Lastly, I’d like to thank my father, Connie Galotta, for choosing such a wonderful friend and for asking Jim to be my Godfather. They say we can’t choose our families but we can choose our friends. Thanks Dad for the loving and lasting example of true friendship that you and Jim shared for more than 50 years.
The stability and success of Jim’s life is embodied in Proverbs 21:21 -
He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.
This was Jim O’Rourke, my Godfather.

Ed,
I'll always have many wonderful memories of Jim spending time with our family. As kids we always looked forward to Jim's visits. He was such a joy to have around. There was always an abundance of spontaneous laughter when Jim was in the house! I'm very proud to have been his God son. I send my condolences to you, Jim's family and friends.

Dear O'Rourke Family,
We are very sorry for your loss. Jimmy and our Dad were life long friends and fellow ND alums. May he rest in peace.
The family of Mark A. Cronin, Jr.

Ed and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Ed, With Prayers for Jim, and for you, and for your entire wonderful family. My trip to Europe with Jim...will always live in my memory.

John