Posted on 02/13/2020
James Matthew Connell (OCTOBER 7, 1953 – JANUARY 24, 2020)
When Jim Connell enrolled in the United States Naval Academy, he had never seen the ocean; however, he knew from a young age he wanted to serve his country.
With even his earliest choices, Jim began a legacy of devotion to his family and his country that did not end even upon his death on January 24.
Jim is survived by the love of his life, Chris, and his three daughters, Christen (Andrew), Colleen (Blake), and Catherine. He was blessed with, and took full advantage of, the opportunity to spoil two grandchildren (William and Bowen), for whom he was "Pop". He died in the home that he loved surrounded by his family.
Jim devoted his life to serving his country; first as an officer in the United States Navy and later in roles that allowed him to create meaningful, effective solutions for our men and women in uniform. Outside of work, he loved fishing, working in his yard, roadside barbecue, classic rhythm and blues music, and hunting groundhog. Unbeknownst to many, he was also a skilled marksman, numismatist, and tequila connoisseur. For a brief period in the 70s, he was the shuffleboard champion of Guernsey, a title he later, deliberately, relinquished to local favorites.
Jim was a student of all things; he was constantly learning and, if you were wise enough to pay attention, constantly teaching. He was the epitome of a life well-lived. He worked hard, loved fully, and truly enjoyed life. He will be remembered by his friends and loved ones as a genuinely thoughtful person, a man of uncompromising integrity, and an amazing karaoke singer.
A celebration of Jim's life will be hosted a Veritas Vineyard and Winery on Saturday, February 8th. Military funeral honors will be held promptly at 6pm with music and stories to follow. Please know that this will be a celebration. After all, as Jim might ask, "what're you crying about?"
Jim intended to use his experience with brain cancer to help others. Unfortunately, he lost his battle before he could attend the National Brain Tumor Society's Head to the Hill advocacy event as he'd intended. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting this cause: https://nbtsevents.braintumor.org/fundraiser/2610303
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/charlottesville-va/james-connell-9012543