James F. OConnell Jr.

MANSFIELD James F. OConnell Jr., 56, of Mansfield, formerly of Brockton, passed away Monday, Sept. 29, 2008, at Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro. He was the beloved husband of Margaret J. (Fortune) OConnell, to whom he was wed to May 10, 1980. Born in Brockton, Feb. 4, 1952, he was a loving son of Abbie F. (Creeden) OConnell of Brockton and the late James F. OConnell Sr. Jim grew up in Brockton, was educated in Brockton public schools and was a 1970 graduate of Brockton High School. He furthered his education and was a 1974 graduate of Stonehill College in Easton and received his masters degree in 1977 from UMass-Amherst. Mr. OConnell was a retired purchasing agent, having worked for 22 years at the Praxair Company in Waltham, retiring in 2006. He had previously been employed from 1979-1984 at the H.E. Harris Company in South Boston. He loved spending time with his cherished family, was an avid stamp collector and was involved with the Boy Scouts of America Troop 17 in Mansfield. Jim had made his home in Mansfield for the past 28 years and was formerly of Brockton. In addition to his mother Abbie and wife Margaret of 28 years, he is survived by his devoted children, Daniel J. OConnell, Alice H. OConnell and Edmund J. OConnell, all of Mansfield. Memorial services, to which relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend, will be held Friday, Oct. 10, at 1 p.m. at the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home, 55 North Main St., Mansfield. Visiting hours will be held prior to services Friday, Oct. 10, beginning at 11:30 a.m. at the Sherman & Jackson Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, Mr. OConnells family has requested that donations in his memory be made to the Joslin Diabetes Association, 1 Joslin Place, Boston, MA 02215. For additional information, please visit www.shermanjackson.com.