He attended Cypress-Fairbanks High School, where he was president of his sophomore class and was named "most handsome," "most popular," and "Mr. Sportsmanship" during his junior and senior years.
Oldham subsequently adopted the name "Jim O'Brien" during his transition to a career in the radio and television broadcast industry[8][9][10] After short stints at radio stations KHJ in Los Angeles and WOR-FM in New York City, O'Brien relocated to Philadelphia in 1970, where he became a disc jockey at WFIL.
He soon became the weatherman, and eventually co-anchored the 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. newscasts, the local edition of Dialing for Dollars, and the weekend magazine show Primetime.
[14][15] As WPVI's ratings increased, O'Brien became a beloved figure who was praised for his humor and the unique, fun-loving personality that he brought to his newscasts and weather reporting.
His remains were returned to Harris County, Texas, where a funeral service was held at the Memorial Oaks Cemetery in Houston and officiated by the Rev.
O'Brien's mother and sister, Nancy (Oldham) Wood, and his daughters Peri and Patti Jo, and former wives, Sandra Gilpin and Sue Brooks, were among those present at the graveside service.