James L. McConnell

1944 - 2022

McConnell

James L. McConnell, "Jim", Feb. 6, 1944 – Sept. 24, 2022, had miraculously evaded his death for years until recently, surrounded by his family, Doris, (former wife), and Amy and Tim, (his children). He passed quickly and ever so peacefully in the middle of a reading from the Bible, which even impressed the chaplin. His family believes this was his final (failed) effort to stop Doris from going on a month-long retreat. Jim is also survived by his brother, Bill McConnell and wife, Janice, who were fortunate to have spent some time with him recently; also visiting with Uncle Don and Aunt Dolores Norton. They got to enjoy one of Jim's last "salty" dinners with him just days before his passing. Jim enjoyed this visit immensely and felt he was in heaven already. Jim will also miss his daughter-in-law, Sophie, and grandchildren, Johnny, Emma, and Meghan; as well as his nephew, Bill McConnell Jr.; niece, Kelly (McConnell) Priddy; nephew Steve Uzanas; and nieces Cheryl Jourdan and Christine Kilgore; as well as the extended Norton and Uzanas families, and friends. Jim is predeceased by his father, Francis, his beloved mother Alice; and his childhood cat, Petey Dink, and last cat Boris Bobolucyk. His mother undoubtedly helped him find his way home and told him to stop being such a "stubborn Irishman" so that he would no longer terrorize hospital staff at St. Francis. In addition to his family and friends, Jim also leaves behind a small fortune of Bombas socks. Through his passing, Jim takes with him a brand-new suit and his favorite Irish Patch Cap, (he wished to be "dressed in his best" for cremation of course), his love of Fox News, and an uncanny and sometimes inappropriate sense of humor which may (or may not) be greatly missed by all.

Jim grew up and lived most of his life in Windsor Locks. He played hockey at the Basin, walked, (and may have hung from) the railroad bridge, and lined the canal banks with Pabst Blue Ribbon cans, (or so we've heard). He was a graduate of Windsor Locks High School and Porter & Chester Institute, went onto become a sergeant first class with the Army National Guard, and spent a long career with Wesgarde as a Data Manager. With Jim's immense knowledge of computer sciences his family was always provided cutting edge video games, like Pong. He loved that his children played hockey and enjoyed the game as much as he did. Jim still went to see his son play until recently, provided he didn't lose his way to the rink. Jim loved to fish and although he was not able to get out much the last couple of years, that did not stop him from ordering more gear.

Jim had said that he wanted invitations sent for his funeral service, however, in typical "Jim fashion,' he procrastinated with most everything relating to his final wishes, likely thinking he was going to live forever, and everything would just "work itself out" if given a chance. With that, he never provided a guest list. For those that feel qualified to have made the list and will miss Jim as much as his family will, please join us for a celebration of his life on Friday, Nov. 25, at St. Mary Church, 42 Spring St., Windsor Locks, for a 11 a.m., Mass of Christian Burial, with an hour of visitation from 10 to 11 a.m., at the church prior to the Mass. Committal will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery.

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