‘I Await It in Peace and With Grace’: Former Government House Press Secretary James O’Bryan Jr. Shares Deeply Personal Reflection Amid Health Challenges

TERRITORIAL REFLECTION: Former Government House Press Secretary James A. "Jimmie" O’Bryan Jr. shared a deeply personal, spiritual reflection on Saturday evening. O'Bryan, a legendary political strategist and longtime public servant in the Virgin Islands, opened up to the community regarding recent medical challenges and expressed profound gratitude and faith as he prepares to celebrate his 70th birthday on June 7. (Photo courtesy of Facebook)

By JOHN McCARTHY / St. Croix Sun Staff Writer

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — In a raw, deeply spiritual address that has resonated across the territory, veteran political strategist and former Government House Press Secretary James A. "Jimmie" O’Bryan Jr. opened up to the public on Saturday, detailing a challenging month of medical setbacks while expressing profound gratitude for his life’s journey.

O'Bryan, a titanic figure in Virgin Islands public relations and political history, revealed that May has been a grueling month for his health, culminating in another medical episode during a funeral service last Thursday.

"By God’s grace May ends and I have survived," O'Bryan shared in a personal reflection. "On June 7th I will have reached the Biblical age granted to a man, three score and ten. I await it in peace and with grace."

A Journey of Faith and Reflection

Known for decades as a formidable, sharp-witted voice in the halls of territorial power, O'Bryan’s message reflected a profound spiritual evolution. He disclosed that he has spent the last year deeply immersed in scripture, studying alongside biblical scholars—a process he says has forced him to confront stark truths about his life and long-held beliefs.

Reflecting on the volatile nature of a life spent in the public eye, O'Bryan noted the immense spiritual foundation that sustained him through the territory's most turbulent political eras:

"On my life’s journey I have been able to climb great heights," O'Bryan wrote. "I have also seen terrible lows. In those dark hours my God came and strengthen and fortified me. And when my levee broke and my dam wall came smashing down, it was my faith that sustained me."

Facing the Future with Peace

The long-time public servant admitted that while he struggles to understand the repeating nature of his medical episodes—particularly noted during recent church appearances—he remains entirely unshakeable in his devotion.

"All I know is if the trumpet shall sound for me while I am praising my God, I can think of no better place than in God’s house of worship," O'Bryan stated, concluding his address with the comforting benediction, "Peace be still."

As news of his reflection spread on Saturday evening, a wave of prayers, well-wishes, and expressions of respect from across the political spectrum began pouring in for the veteran statesman. The St. Croix Sun joins the community in wishing Jimmie continued strength, comfort, and a peaceful upcoming 70th milestone.