WHEELING — The Rev. James O’Brien — the longest-serving Jesuit priest at Wheeling University and a recent inductee into the Wheeling Hall of Fame — died Saturday at age 96, the university announced over the holiday weekend.

Those who knew him remembered him for his faith, love of others and devotion to his community.

O’Brien died at Columbiere Jesuit Community in Baltimore, Maryland.

“It is with a heavy heart that I share the heartbreaking news of the passing of our beloved, Reverend James O’Brien, S.J., a devoted servant of God and cherished member of our community,” WU President Ginny Favede said in a released statement. “Father O’Brien lived a truly beautiful life. His unshakeable faith, his deep love, and his tireless service made him a guiding light for us all

“We are all better people today because of him,” she continued. “His gentle words, unwavering belief, and infectious kindness touched countless lives, leaving a lasting imprint on our hearts. In the coming days, we will share details regarding arrangements to celebrate his remarkable life. For now, let us hold Father O’Brien and his family in our thoughts and prayers.

“May God bless him, keep him, and grant him eternal rest.”

Information from the Wheeling Hall of Fame states that O’Brien first came to what is now Wheeling University in 1962 as a young Jesuit to teach philosophy. A few years later, he would take an academic leave of absence to complete work on his doctorate at Duquesne University.

He organized the first Appalachian Experience Club in 1978 to help those in need in southern West Virginia. O’Brien, along with students, would chop wood to heat the homes of the less fortunate and enjoy the rural setting each fall and spring break. While the club no longer exists, its mission, to serve others, has blossomed into the university’s Appalachian Institute.

Now in its 21st year, the institute continues to promote research, service and advocacy with the people of the region.

O’Brien served as an active member at Wheeling Jesuit University for more than 50 years. While retired and a resident of the Colombiere Jesuit Community in Baltimore, he continued to serve the university community as an active member of the alumni association.

Each year during Alumni Weekend, the Alumni Council presents the James O’Brien, S.J. Award, to recent graduates who manifest a growing competence in their chosen field, and whose personal life reflects the university’s mission of educating “men and women for life, leadership and service to others.”

The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston joined others in commending O’Brien for a life well-lived.

“The life and ministry of Father James O’Brien, SJ, left an indelible mark on Wheeling University that will be felt for years to come,” said Tim Bishop, director of communications and marketing for the Diocese. “We give thanks to God for his vocation, and join university staff and students in mourning his loss.”

Suff. Bishop Darrell Cummings of Bethlehem Apostolic Temple in Wheeling introduced O’Brien at the Hall of Fame ceremony.

“He was a wonderful man,” Cummings said. “When we first came here in the 1990s (to Wheeling) we started doing the Martin Luther King Day celebration, and I was the chairman of the committee. We were on the committee together.

“He welcomed us, and worked with us. He was also a humble man with a sweet spirit. He was open to ideals, and gave great ideals.”

Cummings added that even after he stepped down as chairman from the MLK Day committee, he and O’Brien continued to work together and see each other on different projects.

“I am devastated to hear of his passing. He was a true asset to the community,” Cummings continued.

At that Hall of Fame ceremony, O’Brien challenged the audience at the end of each day to ask themselves not what they did, but why they did it.

“Why did I talk to the kids that way?” O’Brien said. “Why, as so many of my neighbors would do, when the husband of the family down the street would die suddenly, there would be four dinners on the back porch? How close was I to the purpose of my life? The purpose of all our lives is to grow.”

Local historian Margaret Brennan said O’Brien personified what the Jesuit priests brought to the region during their time here.

“We were blessed to have the great Jesuit priests we had,” she said. “They were like a leaven in our lives. They enriched the whole community. I will miss him terribly.”