James O'Leary

Obituary James OLeary of Colorado Springs began his new life in eternity with his Lord on Saturday, September 14, 2013 with his wife of 62 years by his side. The son of Dr. Edward and Rose OLeary he was born June 29, 1931 in Colorado Springs. He graduated from St Marys High School and married his high school sweetheart, Dorothea Wilson. They had eight children: Michael (and wife Sandie) of Casa Grande, AZ; Patrick of Colorado Springs preceded him in death; Kathleen Brydges (and husband Charlie) of Colorado Springs; Timothy (and wife Tricia) of Denver; Maureen Grace (and husband Jeff) of Dover, AR; Eileen Muhlbeier (and husband Jay) of Hardin, MT; Sharon Sheets (and husband David) of Garfield, AR; and Shannon Rankin (and husband Ron) of Fort Smith, AR. He also leaves behind his sister, Rose Mary OLeary of Colorado Springs and preceding him were brother, Edward OLeary and sister Elizabeth OLeary. His legacy extends to twenty-three grandchildren: Ed OLeary, Micah OLeary, Briana Trosper, Tara OLeary, Duane Reed, Shannon Harrow, Eileen Brydges, Megan OLeary, Amelia OLeary, Corey OLeary, Elizabeth Burns, Ryan Grace, Brendan Grace, James Muhlbeier, Andrew Muhlbeier, Christopher Muhlbeier, Deirdre Sheets, Allison Sheets, Garrett Sheets, Aubree Rankin, Joshua Rankin, and Sarah OLeary and Timothy Brydges who preceded him; and nine great-grandchildren. Jim began his career as a civilian for the Air Force which took him to Oxnard, CA and then Washington DC where they made their home in Fairfax, VA until 1974 when they felt God calling them to a simpler life serving Him. They relocated to Harkey Valley near Dardanelle, AR where they established the Ol Shalom Ranch, a Christian non-profit organization where people could come for retreats, spiritual refreshment and quiet time with the Lord. They were members of St Augustines Catholic Church for 37 years. During that time Jim earned his Bachelor and Masters degree in Creative Writing from Arkansas Tech University. This helped him pursue his love of writing. Fulfilling that love, he published his first novel, "A Torn Picture", earlier this year. The setting of the novel takes place in China where Jim lived from 2002-2003 teaching seminary students for the underground Catholic Church. In 2011 Jim and Dorothea moved back to Colorado Springs and became members of Holy Trinity where Jim has served as a Stephens Minister. Come and celebrate Jim's life as a good and faithful servant of the Lord at Holy Trinity Catholic Church with a rosary at 10:30 a.m. followed by a funeral mass at 11a.m. on Friday, September 20, 2013. There will also be a memorial mass at St Augustines Catholic Church in Dardanelle, AR on Friday, September 27, 2013 followed by a graveside service in Harkey Valley Cemetery. Services Rosary Friday September 20, 2013 10:30 AM Holy Trinity Catholic Church Funeral Mass Friday September 20, 2013 11:00 AM Holy Trinity Catholic Church