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James Connolly Obituary

James J. "Jim" Connolly, a loyal husband, father and Marine, died June 19, 2019 in Williamsburg, Virginia. He was born in Astoria, New York to the late Peter Connolly and Anna Duffy Connolly. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Claire F. Connolly, his daughter Patricia, and his siblings. Jim is survived by his wife, Doris Gaythwaite, and his children; Marion C. Brisco and her husband Phillip, Kathleen C. Hovanic and her husband William, James P. Connolly, and Barbara C. Sukramani. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren, one great-grandchild, his sister-in-law Gladys Connolly, and many nieces and nephews. Jim earned a BS degree from the United States Naval Academy in 1953, and a MS from the Naval Postgraduate School in 1968. He retired from the United States Marine Corps with the rank of lieutenant colonel after twenty years' service. Jim joined the College of William and Mary as a physical plant administrator, and later worked with the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation in construction contract supervision. Jim loved cars, jelly doughnuts, and spending time with his family members. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Bede Catholic Church on Monday, July 8, 2019 at 11 am, with refreshments at the church afterward. Burial will take place in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, 875 N. Randolph St. Ste 225, Arlington, VA 22203, or www.nmcrs.org.)

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Virginia Gazette from Jul. 3 to Jul. 13, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
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4 Entries

Bill and Sofi Starnes

July 6, 2019

It is with sadness that we've learned of Jim's passing. We enjoyed out times together with him, and with Doris, whether at dances or dinners, or conversations, often punctuated with laughter. He will remain often in our thoughts and always in our hearts. God bless you, Jim, may He hold you in His heart and look after those you looked after, so loyally, in life.
Bill and Sofi Starnes

Rodney Stone

July 6, 2019

After being commissioned in the Marine Corps and finishing The Basic School J.J. was my first Commanding Officer. This was 1957 at Camp LeJeune, NC. He was then a Captain and I was a 2nd Lt. He was a exceptional Marine Officer, and working with and learning from him got me off to a great start in the Corps. Semper Fi Jim. Rodney L. Stone, Col. USMC Ret.

July 4, 2019

To the family of Jim,
My construction company worked with Jim for quite a few years at William and Mary. I really enjoyed the working relationship, expecting you to do your job as contracted, but with always with fairness. Behind the
tough front was a very kind and honest man. Would like for the family to know of the good working relationships he developed with contractors. I will miss him and the fun we had building at William and Mary.
Kent James

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