James “Jim” O’Connell, 76, a resident of Grain Valley, MO passed away peacefully Friday, December 6, 2019 at St. Mary’s Medical Center. He was born May 25, 1943 to David and Venita (Root) O’Connell in Kansas City, KS.
Jim was united in marriage to Joan Williams on January 24, 1987 in Independence, MO. He graduated from Blue Springs High School in 1962. Jim was Baptist by faith. He was a delivery driver for Lewaellen’s Flower shop in Blue Springs. Jim was a member of the American Legion Post #499 and VFW both in Blue Springs. He enjoyed watching NASCAR, fishing, and coaching his son Jonathan’s baseball.
Survived by his wife Joan O’Connell of Grain Valley, MO; children, James Alewine of Versailles, MO, Marie O’Connell of Kansas City, MO, Jamie Alcanter (Marcelino) of Independence, MO, Jonathan O’Connell (Sharon) of Grain Valley, MO; siblings, Dennis O’Connell of Blue Springs, MO, Steve O’Connell (Barbara) of Blue Springs, MO, Tina Vaughn (Paul) of Sweet Springs, MO, Colleen Throckmorton of Kansas City, MO; grandchildren, Derrick Alewine, Christopher Alewine, Samantha Jenkins, Alexis Williams, Gabriel Alcanter, Sienna O’Connell, Sophia O’Connell. He is preceded in death by his parents, David and Ventia O’Connell; sister, Kathy Cox; brothers, Richard O’Connell, Chuck O’Connell.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 14, 2019 at Meyers Funeral Chapel, 1600 W. Main St, Blue Springs, MO. Full military honors will conclude the service. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to help defray funeral expenses. Memories of Jim and words of comfort for his family may be shared at meyersfuneralchapel.com.
I am so thankful that I have reconnected with Jim and the rest of the Root family over these past few years. It has been such a pleasure to get to see and know all my cousins a bit more.
I have wonderful memories of coming to visit you all every couple of years when we were growing up.
A big thank you to Jim for serving our country!
Jim seemed a fun loving guy. He was always grandma and grandpa’s favorite because he was the first born grandchild in the Root family!!
Miss you already. Blessings to you all.
Joan so sorry for your and your Family’s loss. May God be with each of you as you lay Jim to rest. Love to all
Joan and Jonathan I am so sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Becky Sauer Wells
Lots of people will not remember but Jim was fondly known to us in high school as wine-o He will be missed and was a good friend in the olden days we had not seen or talked with each other for over 50 years.
I, too, went to school with Jim. He got the nickname of Wino in junior high when he was asked why he was so little and he replied because he was a wino…and it stuck. He was a good friend and I’m sure a fine man. I’d like to extend my condolences to the family.
Marie I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.