James E. McConnell, Sr. age 78, of Lima passed away 5:50 a.m., Thursday, June 29, 2017 at St. Rita’s Medical Center. He was born May 16, 1939 in Patton, PA to the late Augustin Luke and Evelyn Anna Bortman McConnell. He married Marjorie Coburn May 23, 1993 and she survives in Lima.
Jim was a member of Lima Missionary Baptist Church. He retired from General Dynamics as a millwright. He was still working in his woodshop making items for his business Precision Arts and Craft and family members. He also enjoyed gardening. He had served in the U. S. Army during Korea.
Additional survivors include 3 children: James ‘Butch’ (Robyn)McConnell, Jr. of Mishiwaka, IN, Margie McConnell of Wapak, Jessica Pousley of Ottawa, a son-in-law Gary Cox of Wapak, 10 grandchildren, several great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren; 3 step daughters: Lisa (Shane) Corbitt of West Virginia, Becky Harmon and Sonya (Kevin) Keadle of Oklahoma, several step grandchildren and step great grandchildren; a brother Bob McConnell of Patton, PA and 3 sisters: Rose Piersanti of North Canton, OH, Virginia Drobnock of Williamsburg, PA and Mary Louise McCarthy also of PA.
He was preceded in death by a daughter Rose Cox, siblings: Leanore McConnell, Francis W. McConnell, Donald D. McConnell, Norman F. McConnell, Theresa M. Cybert, Thomas P. McConnell and Oscar O. McConnell.
The family will receive friends Noon to 2 and 4-6 p.m., Tuesday, July 4 at Bayliff & Son Funeral Home, Cridersville. The funeral will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday July 5 at Lima Missionary Baptist Church, 3085 Yoder Rd. Lima and burial will follow in Fairmount Cemetery near Uniopolis with military rites.
Memorial contributions may be given to Lima Missionary Baptist Church.