James McConnell

Dr. James J. McConnell, 1640 Sleepy Hollow Drive, died at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 8, 2012 at the Coshocton County Memorial Hospital. Dr. McConnell was born on February 7, 1921, in Coshocton, Ohio, son of the late James and Lenna (Wright) McConnell. He enjoyed his childhood years on the family farm near Wakatomika, Ohio, especially riding and caring for the ponies his father raised. His high school years were spent at Jefferson High School, Dresden, Ohio, where he lettered in football, basketball and track, graduating in 1938. He attended Ohio University and graduated in 1949 from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. On June 26, 1948 he married Jean Elizabeth McGlade, who survives him. Dr. McConnell practiced dentistry on Main Street in Coshocton for forty one years, retiring in 1990. After retirement, he was appointed to the adjunct faculty of Ohio State University Dental College and served as Clinic Director of the Children’s Dental Clinic of Coshocton until 2002. During his years of practice, he served on the dental staff of Coshocton County Memorial Hospital. His professional memberships included Delta Sigma Delta fraternity, Muskingum Valley Dental Society (past president), Ohio Dental Society and American Dental Society. Over the years, Dr. McConnell held memberships in the Masonic Lodge and Elks Lodge. He and his faithful dog, Amy enjoyed many years of hunting and he was an avid golfer. Dr. McConnell was a faithful member of the Methodist Church during his lifetime, first at historic Chalfant Church near the family farm and then at Grace United Methodist Church in Coshocton, since 1951, where he served as Chairman of the Administrative Board and Council on Ministries, the Board of Trustees, sang in the Chancel Choir and taught Sunday School classes. Dr. McConnell interrupted his dental college studies to enlist in the US Army during WWII, serving in the ETO in the 2nd Armored Division from 1943 to 1946. He is survived by daughter Susanne (Keith) Haffner, Northport, NY, son James (Shelia) McConnell, Coshocton and daughter Joan McConnell (Jim Adair), Columbus, OH, four grandchildren; Erin (Chris) Ehler, Westerville, OH, Jared (Emily) Bell, Washington DC, Rachel (Chris) Arnold, Coshocton, Benjamin Haffner and Alexander Haffner, Northport, NY and four great grandchildren; Brynn and Landon Arnold, Addison and Aiden Ehler. He was preceded in death by his brother, Richard McConnell. A memorial service will be held at Grace United Methodist Church on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at 11:00 AM with the Reverend Dr. Craig Redecker officiating. The family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service in the church parlor. There will be a luncheon immediately following the service in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Coshocton Children’s Dental Clinic. Given-Dawson Funeral Home is serving the family.