James Michael O'Connor

James Michael "Mike" O'Connor, 77, of Collinsville, passed away on Friday, May 2, 2025, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, with his beloved children by his side. He left this world as he lived in it-with warmth, humor, deep love for his family, and a quiet strength that made everyone around him feel a little lighter.
Mike was born on August 31, 1947, in East St. Louis, Illinois, the youngest of eight children born to Edmund J. and Lina (Scraper) O'Connor. He and his twin brother were the last to arrive in a house already full of siblings, stories, and a strong sense of family-a value that would guide Mike all his life.
Mike married the love of his life, Leslie (Levy) O'Connor, on April 6, 1985. Together, they built a life rooted in love and laughter, and raised a family that meant everything to them. Leslie preceded him in death in March 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. Mike never stopped loving her.
He is survived by his three children, who were the pride and joy of his life: Paul Maxwell "Max" (Christina) O'Connor of Collinsville, IL, Gail "Betsy" O'Connor (Brett Rowland) of Fayetteville, AR, and Jaime (Bart) Smith of Meadowbrook, IL. He was a loving and proud grandfather to Brian and Joan O'Connor, and Samantha, Stella, and Sarah Smith. He is also survived by his siblings John O'Connor, Tom O'Connor, Phyllis Jones, and Linda Lane, as well as countless extended family and friends who cherished him. Mike was the kind of person who made people feel better just by being near. He had a calming way about him, and an unshakable optimism that reminded everyone to look for the good, even on the hard days. He not only loved his family, he delighted in being with them. One of his favorite pastimes was watching movies and TV shows with his kids and grandkids. It did not matter what was on-as long as they were together, sharing a laugh or a quiet moment, that was enough. His favorite series was Star Trek, and its messages of wonder, humanity, and connection resonated deeply with him.
As Captain Jean-Luc Picard once said, "Live now; make now always the most precious time. Now will never come again." Mike lived by this. He made the most of every ordinary moment, cherishing time with those he loved, and helping others to do the same.
After graduating from Collinsville High School in 1966, he served his country in the United States Army from 1966 to 1969, including a year in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968. His quiet strength and unwavering loyalty were hallmarks of his character both in service and in life.
Mike was also a naturally gifted athlete in his younger years, especially skilled at baseball and ping pong, even earning the title of North Junior High School Ping Pong Champion, which he remembered fondly.
His life was full of quiet, beautiful legacies-kindness, laughter, steadfast love, and a deep belief in the good of people. Though he is no longer with us, his presence remains. As Star Trek: The Next Generation reminds us, "Death is that state in which one exists only in the memory of others which is why it is not an end. No goodbyes, just good memories." Mike O'Connor will live on in the stories, the laughter, the lessons, and the love he left behind.
He will be deeply missed, always remembered, and forever loved. The world was a better place with him in it. He always made everyone try and look at the positive side of life and had a strong will to live and to be surrounded by his loved ones.
A private celebration of life will be held among close friends and family.
In lieu of sending gifts or flowers, please consider making a donation in Mike's name to the American Heart Association.