James George O’Reilly

life story

A wonderful husband, father, son, grandfather/great-grandfather

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

James George O'Reilly, 87, of Cape Coral, Florida passed away peacefully on December 10th, 2021.

James was known as Jimmy or Big Jim due to his 6' 7" stature. Jim was born and raised in Manhattan, NY to Irish immigrant parents, Philip O'Reilly and Mary O'Reilly (Kingston). He grew up with a younger brother, Philip and sister, Mary both of whom predeceased him. As a teen he attended Bishop Dubois High School and loved spending his time customizing cars. As he got older, he began working for MABSTOA, Mass Transit Authority in NY from where he retired and moved to Florida in 1991. In his early 20's he met Margaret Mary Walsh. They fell in love and were married for almost 64 years. After beginning their family of 4 daughters, they moved to Union Beach, NJ. Their eldest Karen O'Reilly (Chris Kleme), Theresa Intelli (Michael Intelli- passed), Denise Fernandez (Miguel C. Fernandez III- passed) and Margaret O'Reilly. As a family they loved the time they spent at their little bungalow in Pine Beach, NJ and being close with family & friends. Jim was a very special man. He worked hard, played fair, and loved without limits. He made the most amazing life for his family. In addition to his wife, Margaret and his daughters, Karen, Theresa, Denise, and Margaret he had 6 grandchildren Michael J. Intelli (Lori), Melissa Intelli, Desiree Fernandez (Spencer), Mariah Washington (Mike), Gabrielle Trebisovsky (Austin) and Taryn Lynn O'Reilly. He also had 7-1/2 great grandchildren, Michael Anthony, Skyler, Gavin, Alun, Jonathan, Liam, Beckam and one on the way who we found out about the very day he passed. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews as well as his brother in laws, Patrick Walsh (Barbara) and Thomas Walsh.

The funeral service will be held at Gallaher American Family Funeral Home located at 2701 Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33901 on January 2, 2022 at 2:00 pm. His family will be present to welcome all visitors.

If you are considering a memorial donation please donate to

Hope Hospice: https://hopehospice.org/donate or another organization dear to his heart:

The Wounded Warrior Project: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate

memorial service

Celebration of Life

January 2, 2022

Gallaher American Family Funeral Home 2701 Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33901, USA