James "Jim" O'Day

James “Jim” T. O’Day, age 77, of Brainerd died Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at Essentia St. Jospeh’s Medical Center in Brainerd.  A gathering of family and friends will be held from 10-12PM on Friday, April 9, 2021 at the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter.  Interment will be in Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, near Little Falls with full military honors.

Jim was born on May 21, 1943 in Brainerd to Edwin and Rachel (Robinson) O’Day.  He proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1960 – 1964 aboard the USS Kitty Hawk.  Jim worked as a cook for various restaurants in the Brainerd lakes area.  The recipe that Jim will be most remembered for is his famous chili recipe; often served at deer camp.  He found serenity in the great outdoors; he was most at peace when he was fishing or hunting.  Jim was past president and bar manager of the Eagles Club Aerie 287 in Brainerd. He was simple, quiet, humble, had a great work ethic, and if he wanted something Jim was going to do it.  Jim will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Jim is survived by his sons, Jeff (Shelley) Jones, Ed (Rebecca) O’Day , Dan (Melissa) O’Day all of Brainerd; siblings, Diane (Tris) Leslie of Cape Coral, FL, Kevin (Denise) Brainerd; and grandchildren, Christopher and Abbigale.  He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Vickie, Darlene, and Mike.