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James Michael McConnell

1941 - 2013

James Michael McConnell obituary, 1941-2013, Bonita Springs, FL

James McConnell Obituary

McConnell, James Michael James Michael McConnell, 72, of Bonita Springs, FL died of cardiac arrest on February 11, 2013 while on a Caribbean cruise with Mary Lou, his wife of 45 years. Jim is survived by Mary Lou; his brother, Thomas Hugh, III, and his wife Marianne of Dallas, TX; his daughters Laura Stemmler and her husband, Michael, of Westfield, NJ, and their children Lucy, James-Wolfgang and Jonathan; and Kelly Banner and her husband, Alan, of Darien, CT, and their children Brooke, Charlie, and James. Jim was born in Dallas, Texas on January 26, 1941. He grew up in Sulphur Springs, TX. In 1957 he moved to Dallas with his mother, Hazel Ditto, after the death of his father, Thomas H. McConnell, Jr. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1959, and from UT Austin in 1963 with a degree in physics and mathematics. To know Jim was to be captured by his quick wit, unassuming intelligence and unfaltering honesty. No one, from janitor to titan, escaped his charm. He possessed a rare form of honesty-approachable, genuine, without pretense-the effect of which drew people in with magnetic force. Jim was rooted. He loved all things Texas: tall tales, long rifle shots, endless horizons, big cigars, fast cars, and foxhole buddies. Not one for half-measures-once he hunted wild hogs with knife and spear-his two-fisted manner was life affirming. Even so, he was not one to impose his views, but encouraged family and friends to "lead an interesting life," advice he lived-his adventures and misadventures are the stuff of family legend. He relished traveling, hunting, and fishing-not merely for enjoyment, but as a device to share special times and unique experiences with those he loved. He liked nothing better than to be among friends and family enjoying good times and good memories. And as you might expect, he was one hell of a storyteller. "Honor, Duty, Courage, God, Family, Country." These were the ranking principles of his life, values he imparted to his daughters, their husbands, and his adoring grandchildren. Jim loved this great nation, and was acutely aware of the good fortune of his birthright, to which he credited much of his success. A shrewd and honest businessman, Jim left an indelible mark on the companies he worked for and led. He began his business life with Honeywell in Dallas, which led to his career in the controls industry. He worked for Emerson Electric for almost 20 years until he was recruited to become the CEO of Instron, which he led from 1990 to 2002, the year he retired. At the time of his death, Jim was serving on the boards of ESCO Technologies and Warren Resources. Jim was a success in every important life role. He was a loving father, devoted husband, trusted advisor, and dedicated friend. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. His effect on family and friends is his legacy to them and in turn their legacy to the many who never knew him. Jim's ashes are to be spread into the soil of Texas. A memorial service will be held at the Bonita Bay Club, 26660 Country Club Drive, Bonita Springs, FL, 11 AM, April 7. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to: True Grit Fund, c/o Superintendent, SSISD, 631 Connally St., Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. The fund was established by Jim and his brother, Tom, to make an annual cash award to the graduating senior who, independent of grades, achieved the most success against the greatest odds.

Published by Dallas Morning News from Mar. 23 to Mar. 24, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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Jim was a mentor and friend to me and my family and my deepest condolences go to the entire McConnell family. May he rest in peace.

Jonathan Burr

March 25, 2013

It was refreshing to read that Jim finished life as he began it: living life to the fullest and always stretching for more. He always seemed larger than life back in SSHS! Condolences to his family on their loss.

Kathy Coffey Ragsdale

March 25, 2013

I have known Mr. McConnell's daughter Laura since we were in preschool together in Houston. She and her sister loved him so much, respected him, and genuinely enjoyed his company. They had an enviably happy family and many good times together. I know that my parents will miss him very much. I am blessed to have known him.

Kristen Polster

March 24, 2013

Great friend ,many good times

Edwin Smith

March 24, 2013

I was the secretary of the Department at Honeywell in which Jim worked in '67-68. He made going to work a pleasure with his personality. I remember going to your wedding Mary Lou. I've thought about ya'll many times through the years and wondered what had happened to you. I'm so sorry to read of this great loss. Please accept my deepest sympathy to you and Jim's whole family. He will be missed by many, I'm sure. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. With Deepest Sympathy,

Gail McKinzie Clark

March 24, 2013

Please accept my condolences on the passing of a great person. I know you and
your family will always miss him. I lived next door to Tom and Jim in S.S.
and have many fond memories of Jim when
he was growing up.

David L. Jackson

March 23, 2013

How sad to lose another classmate. My prayers are with you and your family. Betty (Davis) Davis SSHS class of 1959

March 23, 2013

We certainly will miss Jim.
Our hearts are sad. Mary Lou we wish you and your family our thoughts and prayers.

Angie & Jack Toth

March 23, 2013

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