James P. Connors

James P. Connors, aged 90, of Wilbraham, Massachusetts, passed away on March 21, 2024.

Jim was born in Springfield, Massachusetts on January 18, 1934, to Joseph and Mary Connors as the youngest of 13 siblings. He graduated from Cathedral High School before enlisting in the Navy in 1956. At age 21, he married the love of his life, Gabrielle Connors (née Marchand), and went on to raise two beautiful daughters together.

Jim spent many years working as a Union Officer for the United States Postal Service in Washington, DC before returning to Wilbraham. A frequent traveler, Jim fulfilled his lifelong dream of exploring the Emerald Isles of Ireland in a once-in-a-lifetime international adventure. In 2018, he relocated to sunny Tequesta, Florida, where he lived until the end of his life.

A devout Catholic, Jim was an active member of St. Cecilia's Church in Wilbraham for many years and made many lasting connections with fellow parishioners from the Church. After his move to Florida, he became a member of St. Jude’s Catholic Church where he continued to grow in his faith and expand his circle of friends.
Jim was known for his phenomenal cooking, his fun-loving attitude, his endless generosity, and the love he had for his family and friends. He loved to play cards with his buddies, tend to the beautiful flower garden in his yard, host dinner gatherings at his home, and watch his favorite sports teams on TV.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gabrielle; his parents, Mary and Joseph; and his older siblings. He is survived by his daughters and their spouses, Lynne Connors (James Barrett) and Dawn Connors (Vincent Washington); his granddaughters, Elizabeth Barrett and Sarah Washington; his many nieces and nephews; and countless close friends and loved ones who will miss him and cherish his memory.

A Memorial Mass to celebrate the life of James P. Connors will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at St. Cecilia's Church in Wilbraham at 10 AM. Following the Mass, family and close friends are invited to a lunch reception at La Cucina di Hampden House in Hampden at 12 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a charitable donation to St. Jude’s Children's Hospital in memory of James P. Connors. You may mail your contribution to 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 37105-9959 or online at www.stjude.org .