In Memoriam ~ Jim Connolly '64 - Saint John's Prep

James Arthur Connolly, Jr. ’64 passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 23, 2025. He was born in Duluth, MN on January 28, 1946 to the late James Arthur Connolly, Sr. and Joan White Connolly.

James was a graduate of St. John’s Prep in Collegeville, MN and Cathedral High School, Duluth, MN. As someone who craved ongoing knowledge, James also obtained a biology degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth; a medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine Portsmouth, Dominica; and a law degree from California. He worked as an owner/operator truck driver, taught in the Chicago School System at Daley City College and as a bilingual Spanish science teacher in the Chicago Public Schools, He was a Navy veteran during the Vietnam war as a Corpsman attached to the 1st Marine Division.

James enjoyed spending time with family, especially if food, good conversation, and good coffee were involved. He also enjoyed reading, cooking, teaching, and fixing things. He was a great storyteller.

He is survived by his loving wife of 19 years, Bridget Anne O’Connor Connolly; children, Molly (Lorenzo), Regan, Shannon, Jaime, Erin, Sian, and Rowan; sisters Mary Jo Connolly, Anne (James) Menz, and Lila (Stephan) Krmpotich; brothers Stephan (Diane) Connolly and Michael (Denise Fischer) Connolly; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial gifts may be made to Disabled American Veterans (DAV), donations of books to Veterans hospitals and nursing homes, or to any cause supporting veterans and their families.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James, please visit our floral store.

Online condolences may be shared with the family here.