James J. Connell, 96, of Eau Claire, died Saturday, April 17, 2010, at Luther Hospital in Eau Claire. Jim was born March 15, 1914, in Eau Claire to Charles and Josephine (Lassek) Connell. He lived his entire life in Eau Claire, graduating from Eau Claire Senior High in 1931. \r\nOn July 4, 1940, Jim married Agnes Koshoshek of Eau Claire. They had five sons and one daughter. \r\nJim worked at Uniroyal until his retirement in 1979.\r\nIn his youth Jim played baseball for the first American Legion team in Eau Claire and was an avid hockey player. Upon retirement he could be found daily at the YMCA where he enjoyed exercising with his many friends. Jim followed the local sports scene and was a regular supporter of local teams. Summer and Fall you could find Jim in the stands at Carson Park cheering on the local baseball and football teams, and of course, he was a loyal Packer fan.\r\nBoth Summer and Winter throughout his entire life, Jim loved fishing with his sons, nephews and good friends both locally, and in northern Wisconsin. He was a lover of life, the outdoors, his fellow man, and a good laugh. Most of all he loved his family. All who met Jim remember him for his good nature, generosity, and kindness. He was forever thankful for his many blessings.\r\nJim was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Agnes of forty six years; daughter, Janice; brother, Edward Connell; and four sisters, Lucille Connell, Florence Kruger, Mary Connell, and Alice Odegard.\r\nJim is survived by his five sons, Tom (Linda) Connell of Winter, Charlie (Char) Connell of Chippewa Falls, Bob (Janice) Connell of Fayetteville, NY, John Connell of Arcadia, and Dick (Judy) Connell of Iowa Falls, IA; nine grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.\r\nHe was a wonderful husband and father and will be greatly missed by his family. Jim will be remembered fondly for his ready smile, generosity, and good nature. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 21, 2010, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 416 N. Dewey St., Eau Claire, with Fr. William A. Dhein celebrating the mass. Burial will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery in Eau Claire. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until time of services Wednesday at the church.\r\nTo express condolences online, please visit obituaries www.lenmarkfh.com

Service Information