James O'Leary

James "Phillip" O'Leary, age 69, passed away peacefully at the Veterans Hospital in Omaha, NE June 10, 2024. He was born April 23, 1955 in Los Angeles, CA. and raised by Robert and Margaret (Baird) O'Leary. Phil lived in California until enlisting in the Navy as a young man. He travelled the world with the Navy. After seperating from the military he settled in Florida to raise his sons, Matthew and Michael. In 2006 he moved to Nebraska. Phil and Joann married in 2007 and moved to Glenwood, IA Phil enjoyed all types of music. He loved playing the guitar and singing karaoke. His heart was on the farm, He loved tinkering and building things. He loved having the grandkids around giving them rides on his tractors or showing them how to fix things. Phil never knew a stranger, and no child came to the farm without getting a special treat from "Papa Phil". 

 He was preceded in death by father, Robert O'Leary; mother, Margaret O'Leary, Parents in law Joe and Virginia Zaloudek, and son Michael. 

Phil is survived by his wife Joann O'Leary of Glenwood IA; Brother, Ken (Cathy) O'Leary of CA, Son, Matthew O'Leary of FL Daughter, Marci (Tim) Jefferson MO Grandchildren Emilia Jefferson, Shelby Jefferson, Josef Jefferson and Lily O'Leary, Sisters in law Betty (Jim) Hubbard Springfield OR, Marg Bell Springfield OR and Barb (Chuck) Meyer Louisville, NE 

Service will be held at the Omaha National Cemetery 14250 Schram Road, Omaha, Ne at 11:00 AM June 20, 2024. A celebration of Phil's life and taco's will take place at the family home in Glenwood, IA Please feel free to wear your jeans and overalls. The family will direct memorials.