James Tigrett Conner

Born on October 2, 1941, in Jackson to the late Isaac Tigrett Conner I and Anna Gardner Conner, Jim grew up with a passion for baseball passed down from his father, who also played minor league ball. He began playing in Jackson’s Little League program in the early 1950s and developed into a talented centerfielder and pitcher, known for his powerful hitting, strong arm, and steady defense. Jim was selected for the All-Star team each year he played in the Babe Ruth League and went on to play multiple sports at Jackson High School, graduating in 1959.

That same year, Jim earned a four-year athletic scholarship to play baseball at Union University. As a standout athlete, he helped lead Union to a runner-up finish in the NCAA Division 3 College World Series in 1961 and was named an All-Star in the All Volunteer State Athletic Conference. In 1963, he was part of the Union team that made another College World Series appearance and still holds the school record for most triples in a season.

Jim signed a professional contract in 1964 with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, playing catcher in the Florida State League and Western Carolina League. He played for the Salisbury Dodgers and later the California League, with his team winning the Pennant in 1964.

After returning to Jackson, Jim continued his love for the game by playing in the Independent Leagues, where his team from Arkansas won the National Baseball Congress Tournament in 1967. He later coached in Jackson’s Dizzy Dean baseball program, leading a team to the Dizzy Dean World Series Championship in 1981. He continued mentoring young athletes through the 1980s, including his own sons, and contributed to Jackson’s Senior League program, helping develop local talent.

Beyond the diamond, Jim built a successful career in insurance and financial planning, eventually forming Jim Conner and Associates in 1973. His work and mentorship touched many lives in his hometown and beyond.

In 2006, he was inducted in the Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame and in 2018 was inducted into the Union University Sports Hall of Fame. Jim spent his remaining years sharing time with family and spending time on the golf course. He had a deep passion for the game of golf and won countless tournaments. He played every day until he was unable to walk.

Jim was married to Elizabeth Ann Carman in 1962 and later to Lynda Dianne Marsh in 1973. Lynda precedes him in death. He is also preceded in death by his brothers, Mike Conner and Ike Conner.

He is survived by his children, Lisa Elaine Conner Booth, James Russell Conner, Shannon Leanne Only Bigford (Rod) and Isaac “Ty” Conner; his grandchildren, Conner Booth, Chandler Booth, Madalyn Bigford, Cal Bigford, and Gray Bigford (Allie); his great-grandson, Miles Richard Bigford; and his sister, Kay Conner Steeves (Will).

Jim’s legacy is one of quiet strength, fierce determination, and a love for family, faith, and the game of baseball. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A service to celebrate the life of Jim Conner will be held on Monday, April 21, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the North Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons with burial following in Lesters Chapel Cemetery. The family will receive friends beginning at 11 a.m., two hours prior to the service at the funeral home.