James Acker O'Connor

Dr. James Acker O'Connor passed away March 19, 2024 at the age of 86 in Fort Belvoir, VA. James (Jim) was born in New York, NY on March 23, 1937. He is survived by his children Kathleen Conway of Lilburn, GA, Sheila Miller (John) of Stafford, VA, Brian O'Connor (Jessica) of Frankfort, IL, and Maureen Zimmerman (John) of Springfield, VA, his sister, Judy Schmauch, sister-in-law, Peggy O'Connor, 12 grandchildren and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by parents Francis and Ruth O'Connor, brother John O'Connor, sister Eileen O'Grady, and brother-in-law Fred Schmauch.

Jim was raised in Queens, NY before attending St. John's University where he received his Bachelor of Arts in English Literature in 1959 and Master of Arts in English Literature in 1961. He went on to The Catholic University of America when her earned his Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration in 1974. In 1981 he graduated from the Federal Executive Institute at the University of Virginia.

In 1965, Jim entered the FBI as a Special Agent, serving in various locations around the country. In 1968, he moved to FBI headquarters in Washington, DC as a Supervisory Special Agent. In 1972, he was ordered to the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA where he was an integral part of the education of agents in training. In 1980, he was elevated to Deputy Assistant Director of the FBI where he was second in command of the training division and was heavily involved with the FBI National Academy which has trained domestic and international law enforcement professionals for decades. He traveled the world supporting the National Academy’s work including missions to the United Kingdom, Australia, Egypt and the Cook Islands.

In 1989, Jim retired from the FBI and launched his second career as an Associate Professor and Assistant Dean of the Administration of Justice Program at Northern Virginia Community College in Woodbridge, VA. From 1994 to 1998, he also served as an Affiliate Professor of Administrative Justice at George Mason University. He continued teaching at Northern Virginia Community College, including serving as Interim Dean of the Business and Social Sciences Division until his retirement in 2011.

Love for his hometown and a commitment to community service propelled him to become a certified town planner and serve as chairman of the planning commission for the town of Occoquan, VA. He later served on the Occoquan Town Council as both a member and Vice Mayor. He was actively involved in his Retirement Community, and most recently took on the role of Eucharistic Minister at weekly Mass.

Jim was a devoted college basketball fan, avidly following his beloved St. John's Red Storm and rarely missing a game. He was extremely proud of his Irish heritage and hosted many St. Patrick's Day parties where he serenaded guests with Danny Boy at the end of the night. Jim loved spending time with his large extended family and was extremely proud of the accomplishments of his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Jim's professional accomplishments and lifelong pursuit of education were inspiring. He was successful in all endeavors, admired by colleagues, beloved by family and friends, and will be missed by all who loved him.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s name can be made to Capital Caring Health capitalcaring.org.