James L. "Jimmy" Conner

Family-Placed Death Notice

Services for Mr. James L. "Jimmy" Conner, 78, of Cleveland, GA formerly of Hazlehurst, who died July 24 at his residence, were held July 26, at Hazlehurst First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Barry Owen, Mr. Tom Moreland, and the Rev. Sam Vernon, officiating. Burial was in Palms Memorial Gardens. Mr. Conner, the son of the late Leon and Thelma Eaves Conner, was a native of Columbia County, GA and resided in Jeff Davis County for several years prior to moving to Cleveland. He was a 32nd degree Mason, and was of the Baptist faith. Mr. Conner was a veteran of the Merchant Marines. Mr. Conner was an honor graduate of Georgia Teachers College (now Georgia Southern University) in Statesboro, where he received a basketball scholarship, and was a member of the Gridiron Society at the University of Georgia, where he received a Masters and a P5 Degree. Mr. Conner was athletic director, and girls basketball coach with Jeff Davis High School, leading the girls to four state championships. The team held the record for most consecutive wins (over 200), and was featured in the National Coach and Athlete Magazine. Mr. Conner also played semi-pro basketball and baseball with the St. Louis Cardinals. Mr. Conner was elected State Representative for Jeff Davis, Appling and Bacon counties, holding the position for many years. He was elected 8th District Representative to the Department of Transportation Board, where he served as chairman twice during his 14 years tenure. Mr. Conner was one of the founders and directors of Jeff Davis Bank, now known as Southeastern Bank. Mr. Conner is survived by his wife, Pat Conner of Cleveland, three sons, Jim Conner of Macon, Drew Conner of Cleveland and Scott Conner of Watkinsville; two step-daughters, Angie Varnadoe and Kathy Brinkley, both of Hazlehurst; a brother, Jerry Conner of Virginia mother-in-law, Bernice Smith of Hazlhurst; and 11 grandchildren, Active pallbearers were Jimmy Conner, Jr., Drew F. Conner, Scott Conner, James L. Conner, III, Aaron Conner and Cole F. Conner. Honorary pallbearers were friends attending the service. Music was rendered by Jimmie Ryles, Jeffery Spell, Mike Cothern, John Hunt and Harmon Dawson. Wainwright-Parlor Funeral Home was in charge.