Captain James Joseph "Joe" McConnell

Captain James Joseph McConnell (Joe McConnell), USN (Ret), 82, of Indian Harbour Beach, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on November 10th, 2025. He was preceded by Gail Finn McConnell (Gail Renee Finn), his wife of 42 years.

Joe is survived by his daughter, Kathleen Finn McConnell (Stephen Costello); his daughter, Christine Finn McConnell Damm (Justin Damm); and his four grandchildren, Erin Damm, Seamus Damm, Cara Damm, and Patrick Damm. Joe was the youngest of three brothers.

Joe was preceded by both of his brothers: Roger O'Connor (Lukie) and Camden McConnell (Deborah).

Joe leaves behind a large loving extended family. Joe was born in Colombus, Ohio and raised around the United States and abroad while his father served in the United States Army. He never spent more than one year in any school until he went to boarding high school in Germany, and then to the U.S. Naval Academy, where he earned his bachelor's degree. Joe served several tours in Vietnam on swift boats and enjoyed his time in the Navy beyond measure. Once retired from the Navy, he captained vessels as a merchant mariner. Overall, he spent more than 45 years working on the ocean on ships. The ocean was his passion.

In his retirement, he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was actively involved in helping with his grandchildren, particularly while they were small, and enabled Gail to do the same. He was immersed with his church and regularly volunteered in various ways, including spending many years as an usher. He participated with the Knights of Columbus and enjoyed the friends he made there. His family loves him and cherishes every memory. He is, and forever will, be deeply missed. Funeral services will be held at Arlington National Cemetery in 2026.