Deacon James Richard Connor

Deacon James R. Connor, 76, departed his earthly life Tuesday July 2, 2019 to be with the Lord after a long courageous battle with a brain tumor. Lovingly known as Jim, he was born in Henrico County, VA on July 6, 1942 to James W. Connor and Goldie Strother Connor Trueheart. As a lifelong member of Mount Olive Baptist Church, James accepted Christ at the tender age of 12 and was baptized September 1954. As a commitment to his faith, James actively served and supported many ministries including serving as chairman of the Deacon ministry, Trustee, Boy Scouts of America troop leader and sung in the church choir. James received his formal education at Virginia Randolph, graduating class of 1960 and continued his education at Kentucky State before enlisting into the Marine Corps. He went on to fight in the Vietnam War and ended his military career as a decorated sergeant. In the spirit of hard work, James worked for Verizon (formally C&P Telephone) as a supervisor, retiring after 25 years of service. James always had a sense of humor and zeal for life while remaining strong and committed to his faith until the end. Always kind hearted and full of jokes, it's no wonder why he has collected so many friends throughout the years. Never short on good advice and life lessons, he also served as a mentor to many. He was an avid fisherman and never missed an opportunity to grab his pole, call up a buddy and head to the open waters. He was always generous in sharing his catch of the day with anyone who would have it. Photography was also a passion of his, often using family and nature as his muse. When he wasn’t ‘gone fishing’ you could find him tending to his garden and caring for the farm animals. In addition to his other hobbies he was also an excellent cook. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Gwendolyn Connor. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Margaret H. Connor; sons, Kevin J. Connor, Wayne Booker Sr., Weldon Booker Sr.; daughters, LaTanya H. Giles (Reginald), Delsherri Shines (John); sisters, Janie Coles, Irene Connor, Marion Hewlett (William), Martha Tyson (Leon); and brother Fleming Trueheart Jr.; 14 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

Tributes

Deacon James Richard Connor

July 6, 1942 - July 2, 2019