James E. Connolly, 83 years, of West Unity, passed away Sunday, September 18, 2016 at Community Hospitals and Wellness Centers, Bryan. Jim was born October 4, 1932 in Columbia City, Indiana, the son of the late Harry and Virginia (Carriger) Connolly. He was a 1950 graduate of Kunkle High School and continued his education at Northwest State Community College where he obtained a Mechanical Engineering degree in 1979. He married Joan C. Sharp on August 4, 1968 in Hudson Michigan and she survives.
Jim was an Army veteran, serving in Okinawa during the Korean Conflict. He worked at Trim Trends in maintenance, retiring in 1996. He had previously worked at Bard Manufacturing in Bryan and Hayes-Albion in West Unity. Jim ran Connolly Lawn Service for 15 years and Connollys’ Crafts and Engravings. Jim was a member of the former Clay United Methodist Church. Upon the closing of the church, he attended West Franklin United Methodist Church. While at Clay United Methodist Church, Jim was very involved in the church, where he served as a Youth Leader, Sunday School Teacher, Superintendent, Trustee, and sang in the church choir. Jim was the Financial Secretary of Local 107 while he worked at Hayes Albion. He was a lifetime member of Handyman Club of America and a proud Webelos leader of Pack 669 for 18 years. In his free time, Jim enjoyed hunting, woodworking, and vacationing. His family was his real passion and he cherished his time spent with them.
Surviving is his wife, Joan C. of West Unity; three grandchildren, John (Addy) Huffman of Aldvorton, Jerrica (Eric Csendes) Huffman of Montpelier and Drew (Tanisha Lloyd) Doan of Montpelier; four great-grandchildren, Allyson and Michael Prasser, Brantley Doan, and Kenley Huffman; three sisters, Betty Cameron of Mansfield, Bonnie Brown of Defiance, and Sandra Myers Bryan; two brothers, William (Chris) Connolly of Rochester, New York and David Connolly of West Unity. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kendra Doan on March 4, 2014, and one sister, Sue Ann Connolly and his faithful canine companion, Zoe.
Visitation for James E. Connolly will be held on Thursday, September 22, 2016 from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home, 202 North Liberty Street, West Unity. Funeral services for Jim will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 23, 2016 in the funeral home with Pastor Nick Woodall officiating. Interment will follow in Shiffler Cemetery, Bryan. Military Graveside Rites will be performed by the West Unity American Legion Post 669.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions be made to Hillside Country Living- Patient Activity Fund or West Franklin United Methodist Church.
Condolences may be sent to the family or the online guest book may be signed at www.oberlinturnbull.com