James M. Connolly

James M. Connolly, 95, of Norwood died peacefully on June 20, 2019 surrounded by his family. He was born in Canton on November 29, 1923 to the late Michael J. and Rosella (Lavoie) Connolly and grew up in Dorchester, where he lived for more than 50 years.

A 1942 graduate of the Boston Trade School, Jim served as a crew chief in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II serving in Corsica and Italy. In later years he lived with his sister in Needham before moving to Norwood. He was a long time employee of Vita Needle in Needham. Jim was a lifelong learner and avid reader. He was known for his photography and after he turned 60 he took up skydiving.

Aside from his parents, he is pre-deceased by his brother John Connolly and sister-in-law Doris, as well as his brother-in-law Philip Sullivan. He is survived by his sister Theresa (Connolly ) Sullivan, four nephews and their wives, Van and Cindy Connolly of Portland, Oregon; Philip and Mary Sullivan of West Bridgewater; Paul and Perri Sullivan of Surfside Beach, South Carolina and Brian and Lexa Sullivan of Norwood, as well as many great nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friend are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday, June 25th at 11:00am in St. Catherine of Siena Church, Norwood. A committal service with military honors will follow in Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, MA at 1:30pm.