He was born on September 10, 1939 and was the son of the late William and Gertrude Conner. He married Patricia “Trish” Price on December 14, 1991 and she preceded him in death on March 27, 2019.
Mr. Conner had worked as a salesman and also as a driver in the transportation industry. He was a 50 year member of PTF United #153 AF&AM in Tampa, FL, and was a 50 plus year member of DeMolay where he was awarded the Legion Honor and the Degree of Chevalier. He was also a member of Ansar Shrine, Ansar Arab Patrol, Ansar Senior Patrol, and the Springfield Court #20 Royal Order of Jesters.
James is survived by his grandson Avery Conner of WA; 4 children, Gary (wife Brenda Lewis of MI, Melissa (husband James) Ranck of MN, Tim (wife Colleen) Lewis of WA, and Bethany (husband Mark) Neal of KS; 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
Besides his parents and his wife Trish, he was preceded in death by a son Michael Conner.
Arrangements are under the direction of Bisch and Son Funeral Home, Springfield. A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2022 from 1 to 3 pm at Ansar Shrine, Springfield. Per his wishes, cremation rites were accorded.
Memorials may be made to Shriner’s Children’s St. Louis, 4400 Clayton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110.
