James "Jabo" Conner

James “Jabo” Henry Conner passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully at his home on January 18, 2021. He was born on October 14, 1935 in Mt. Vernon, Georgia to James Britton and Edna Ophelia (Farmer) Conner.

Jabo is survived by his loving wife of 61 years Laura Conner; his daughter Joni Conner-Little (Randy Sexton) of Orlando; two grandchildren Ashley Little of Cocoa and Zachary Little (Vivian) of Orlando; two bonus great grandchildren Briauna and Xavier; and great granddaughter Echo Little.

He is also survived by four sisters: Wannell Collins (Paul), Mt. Vernon, Georgia; Ophelia Holland (David), Cobbtown, Georgia; Martha Daniels (Truman) and Brenda Joyner, both of Soperton, Georgia. Jabo also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, on both sides of the family, whom he loved as though they were his own and he theirs.

Jabo was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers: Bobby Conner, Joseph Conner, and Aaron Conner; and four sisters: Elise Redfern, Juanita Conner, Margaret Walls Cooper, and Claudine Houser.

Jabo moved to West Palm Beach as a teenager, married in Sebastian, and raised his family in Cocoa. He worked at Cape Canaveral AFS and Kennedy Space Center for 40 years as a charter member of Local 808, Orlando.

Jabo was an avid outdoorsman; he loved to hunt, fish, and garden. He owned his own business for many years designing and manufacturing airboats. Baseball was his passion, especially the Tampa Bay Rays. He also loved spending time with his family and many long-time friends.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, services are private.

In remembrance of Jabo’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to the Animal Welfare Institute or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The Animal Welfare Institute (AWI) is an American, nonprofit, charitable organization that promotes the humane treatment of animals through engagement with policy-makers, enforcement authorities, and the public. AWI has programs that focus on farmed animals, animals in research, terrestrial wildlife, marine life, and companion animals.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a nonprofit medical corporation with the mission to advance cures, and means of prevention, for pediatric catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Consistent with the vision of their founder Danny Thomas, no child is denied treatment based on race, religion or a family's ability to pay.