James McConnell
09/20/1946 - 02/23/2024
James Micheal McConnell, affectionately known as Mike, Coach, or Pops, passed away on Friday, February 23, 2024 after a heroic battle against melanoma.

Mike was born on September 20, 1946 to James and Olive McConnell. Growing up in Bellaire, Mike played little league baseball and football. Once he got to Bellaire High School, he became well known for his abilities on the field. After high school, Mike was drafted into the US Army, serving two years in Berlin, Germany. Upon completion of his military duties, he returned to Houston, where he married the love of his life Dorothy.

After completing his degree in Education at the University of Houston, Mike embraced his calling as an educator. After several years teaching and coaching at Pershing Jr. High and Strake Jesuit, he began working at St. Thomas High School in 1978. He served at St. Thomas for 34 years, as head football coach (1978-1992) and later as Dean of Men. He retired in 2013.

Mike was the proud father of two, Blake and Katie; although his favorite role was grandfather. Nothing brought him more pleasure than spending time with his grandsons, watching them grow, develop, and teaching them to throw right and bat left.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Steve McConnell. Mike is survived by his wife of 54 years, Dorothy, son Blake (Carrie) McConnell and grandsons Caleb and Drew, daughter Katie McConnell (Christopher Whited). He is also survived by his sisters, Donna Cramer (Tim), Terry Pendas, and Cinda English; nephew Russell Whiting.

A mass and celebration of life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at St. Thomas High School (Reckling Gymnasium), 4500 Memorial Dr., Houston.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation to St. Thomas High School or MD Anderson Cancer Center.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Houston Chronicle on Mar. 5, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for James McConnell

10 Entries

Everett Urech

March 31, 2025

I came across Mike's obituary when looking up names of my 1965 classmates of Bellaire High. I knew Mike from years before, as we played each other in Little League baseball in Bellaire. I saw one of the obit writers commented on Mike`s unbreakable record for home runs as a 12 year old in that league. I have to begrudingly say I contributed to that record when I tried to throw my best fastball (and I was left handed, too!) past him, only to turn and see the ball going over the flag pole in center field. He was just a great guy and I see a great husband, father, coach, and mentor to young men.

Mike Donahue

June 26, 2024

Fair thee well Mike! From a survivor of Dick Janse´s post-practice "gauntlet" in which you were always lurking to praise for Bellaire HS baseball champs `62 & runner up in `63. You were the proverbial "Mighty Mike." RIP

Matthew Nadji

March 27, 2024

I will never forget Mr. McConnell. He always got on me about getting a haircut. He always called me by my brother´s name. He told the best stories in detention. He was an icon that we all respected. RIP.

Sonny Williams

March 9, 2024

Going to miss you Mike!
Sonny

James Jamail

March 8, 2024

Many memories of Holy Ghost School and Little League baseball with Mike.
He was a great athlete and leader. A good man.
Jim Jamail

Noel Romero

March 8, 2024

Mr. McConnell was an amazing Dean of Students while at STH. As someone who was constantly in his office, he helped mold me into the man that I am today. I will forever be grateful for the lessons, the conversations and most of all, the grace that he showed me throughout my years at STH. May he Rest In Peace, Gone but not forgotten.

Reggie Greff

March 6, 2024

Mike, you were a great Coach when you worked at Holy Ghost School, Bellaire Texas. "tired...Mr. Wiggens you're not tired"

James Francis Murphy

March 6, 2024

.714 batting average, 14 HRs in 15 games and win in every game he pitched. Those were Mike's stats his 12 y/o season for the National Little
Champs Giants. I've remembered these numbers all these years, because I idolized Mike. I was his 10 year old team member. Mike's Dad was also important to me, helped to turn a 10 year old "momma's boy" into a ballplayer. I haven't seen Mike in over 30 years, but was aware of his journey from Strake to St Thomas. Fr Kevin Storey once told me how Mike helped him learn the ropes when he became President of St Thomas HS and how grateful he was for Mike's help. I won't be able to come to memorial service this Saturday, but want Terry and Donna and the rest of the family to know that Mike always meant a lot to me and I will never forget him. Sincerely, Jim Murphy

Steven Arndt

March 5, 2024

Coach/Dean McConnell made a lasting impression on my family. I was fortunate enough to be a member of his first varsity football team and Dean McConnell mentored both my sons. He was a very special person to our family and Dorthy took my wife Renee and showed her the behind the scenes perspective to the success of Round Up. Mike was one of best memories of STH and we are better for knowing him. RIP

Sue Oneil

March 2, 2024

I am so sad to learn of Mike's passing. The first time I met him was when he and John Carrigan came to our house to recruit Bill to coach with them at St. Thomas. Bill was so happy to reunite with Mike over the past few years. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy Dorothy.

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results