James A. O'Connor

GREELEY - James A. O'Connor, 91, of Greeley passed away Thursday, April 15, 2021, at his home south of Greeley.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 19, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Greeley. The Revs. Antony Thekkekara and Sidney Bruggeman will be the Mass celebrants. Military honors will be presented at the church by the Charles E. Martin American Legion Post #186. Following the service, body bequeathal will take place at the State of Nebraska Anatomical Board.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, with a Rosary at 7, at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Greeley Fire and Rescue Department, the Greeley American Legion Post #186 or the family's choice. T.J. Finn & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
The service will be livestreamed on www.facebook.com/FamiliesInFaithCatholic/
James was born Nov 28, 1929, at Greeley to James J. and Gertrude R. (Welsh) O'Connor. He was raised in Greeley and attended District 61 School. In 1936, the family moved to Greeley, Colo., then returned to Greeley, Neb., in 1938. James graduated from Greeley Sacred Heart School in 1947.
Following graduation James farmed south of Greeley with his dad. In January 1951, he entered the United States Navy, serving during the Korean War on the USS Adirondack in the Mediterranean Theatre. While in the Navy, James was united in marriage to Catherine B. Burns on March 22, 1952, at Greeley.
Following the discharge from the Navy in October 1954, James purchased a farm a half-mile south of Greeley where he farmed for 60 years. James began the first Grade-A dairy in Greeley County. He served as the Greeley County Treasurer for 12 years, worked construction for Greeley Gas and Electric and was the distribution manager for Mar-bol Distribution.
James was a member of the American Legion Post #186, Greeley Coyote Club, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, NFO and NRA.
He enjoyed woodworking and hunting. James flew airplanes and especially enjoyed watching his kids and grandkids play sports and ride horses. James will be remembered by his many jokes, humor and visiting with others. He was an avid card player, especially during the O'Connor family gatherings.
Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Maureen and Jim Fish of Kearney and Colleen and Tim Donovan of St. Libory; four sons and daughters-in-law, Timothy and Catherine of Grand Island, Daniel and Kim of Kearney, James and Denise of Broomfield, Colo., and Shawn and Coleen of Greeley; 20 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; two expected great-grandchildren; and two sisters-in-law, Rosemary O'Connor of Greeley and Rita Wagner of Scottsbluff.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Larry O'Connor.