James Michael "Mike" Connolly

James Michael "Mike" Connolly
July 13, 1961 - September 5, 2025
James Michael "Mike" Connolly, age 64, of Swainsboro, GA, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by family. Born on July 13, 1961, Mike spent most of his life in Statesboro and Swainsboro where he built a reputation as a hardworking professional, a devoted family man, and a loyal friend. These qualities he learned from his late parents, James and Joyce Connolly of Wrightsville, GA.
Mike dedicated his career to the water and wastewater field, where his knowledge and mentorship helped many others grow and succeed. Outside of work, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, softball, and playing golf. As a passionate Georgia Bulldogs fan, he proudly wore red and black and never missed a chance to cheer for the DAWGS.
Above all, Mike was a devoted family man. He is survived by his loving wife, Linda (Cowart) Connolly; his daughters, Megan, and her husband, Shane Henry, along with their daughter, Madison; his son, Patrick Connolly and his fiancé Amber and her son Nathaniel; and his daughter, Allison Joyce, and her husband, Perry Johnson, along with their children, Olive and Walter.
He was truly proud of his family, and nothing brought him more joy than the time they spent together. Mike will be remembered by his gift for conversation, those storytelling sessions that would last forever filled with countless side stories, and his ability to make you feel like you were a lifelong friend in an instant.
The family will receive visitors on Wednesday from 5:00pm until 7:00pm at Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home in Statesboro.
A celebration of Mike's life will be held on Thursday, September 11th, at 1:00pm at Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home in Statesboro.
Interment will be at Bulloch Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Shane Henry, Perry Johnson, Adam Sherrod, Albert Smith, Jessie Bowen, and Russell Thackson.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org/
Friends may sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com
Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of James Michael "Mike" Connolly, please visit our Tree Store.