John James Connelly

John James Connelly passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on Thursday, March 19, 2026, in Mesa, Arizona, at the age of 82. Born in Ardmore Oklahoma on August 17, 1943, John was the son of Velvia Mae James and John James Connelly. He had an older half-sister, Patricia (Pat), and a younger sister, Catherine. John grew up without a father in the home and became a strong father figure to his sister, Catherine. He was proactive, loving, and proudly walked her down the aisle on her wedding day.

John grew up in Southern California, where he met the love of his life, Marilyn Van Kirk. John and Marilyn were married in the Catholic Church in Lake Arrowhead, California, on June 12, 1965.

John and Marilyn began their married lives in West Los Angeles, California, where they welcomed their first two children, Jon and Kelly. A few years later, the family joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After John completed his bachelor's degree, he received a teaching position in Hawaii. In 1970, John and his family moved there, and in 1973, they were sealed together for eternity in the Laie, Hawaii, Temple. John and Marilyn later welcomed four additional children: Rebecca, Ganon, Megan, and Amanda. They lived with their ohana in Hawaii for 35 years.

Upon retirement, John and Marilyn traveled around the country with their daughter, Rebecca, in a motorhome for 10 years, visiting children, grandchildren, and countless cousins. In 2013, John, Marilyn, and Rebecca settled in Mesa, Arizona.

John was a hardworking man who never shied away from doing what needed to be done. Throughout his life, he held many roles, including taxi driver, Coca-Cola truck driver, driver's education teacher, cutting firebreaks for firefighters, and teaching keiki media workshops.

John deeply loved Marilyn. In a blog post shortly after Marilyn's passing, he wrote, "I knew Marilyn for 67 years, 59 of those as my wife. My life was intertwined with hers. I loved her and felt blessed to take care of her. I believe in the plan of happiness. I believe Heavenly Father has brought her home and she is now free of her earthly challenges." He also shared that learning to live without her would be his greatest burden, as he had never imagined life without her and always believed he would go first.

John was a lifelong sports fan. He was a devoted BYU supporter, especially of football, and later followed all BYU sports. For much of his life, he was a dedicated

Dodgers fan and love listening to Vin Scully, whose storytelling he greatly admired. John was an exceptional writer and storyteller. In retirement, he shared his life and travels through blogs filled with words and pictures. Later in life, while living in Arizona, he also became a Diamondbacks fan. John was well known for sending sports updates and messages to family members, keeping everyone connected. He also made each family member feel special by faithfully sending birthday cards with $2 bills, a tradition that will always be remembered and cherished.

John is preceded in death by his parents and his sister Patricia.

John is survived by his six children, 25 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren: Jon Michael (Catherine) Connelly of West Valley City, UT, who has seven children: Kevin, Jennifer (Samuel) Farnsworth and their daughters Charlotte and Maya Mae; Michael (Kelsee) and their daughter Piper; Kimberly (Cory) Mansfield and their sons Thomas, Tanner, Matthew, and Nolan; Benjamin, Aaron, and Nathaniel (aka Everly). Kelly Ann (Rycharn) Freeman of Kaysville, UT has four children: Stephanie, Christopher, Melissa (Thomas) Jones, and James. Rebecca Velani is unmarried and lives with her brother Ganon Patrick (Heidi) Connelly of Mesa, AZ, and their six children: David, Rebecca, Sarah, Thomas (aka TJ), Joseph, and Peter. Megan Pualani (Arnold) Hammari of Boise, ID has four children: Bethany (aka Bennie), Malia, Kaitlyn (aka Kat), and Jessica. Amanda Catherine (Eric) Reynolds of Saratoga Springs, UT has four children: Emma (Derek) Reese, Lily, Carson, and Macy.

John's services will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 1500 E 6th Ave, Mesa, Arizona, with the funeral at 11:30 a.m. His ashes will be spread this summer of the coast of California at a location meaningful to him and his family.

John was a steady and loving presence to all who knew him. He was a listening ear, always ready to offer sound advice, and someone who chose to see the good even in difficult situations. His positivity, kindness, and deep love for his family were evident in everything he did.

John had a strong and unwavering testimony of the gospel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His faith guided his life, shaped his perspective, and brought him peace and hope, especially in times of challenge.

We express our heartfelt love and gratitude to Ganon and Heidi for the compassionate care they provided, and to his son Jon, who lovingly cared for him during the final six

months of his life. John was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Arrangements by Bunker's Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.