James Joseph Connolly

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of James (Jim) Joseph Connolly at the age 81, who passed away peacefully on Monday, April 11th, 2022 at the QEII Health Sciences Centre. Born in Halifax NS, on August 23rd, 1940, he was the son of James and Margaret (Stoneman) Connolly.

Jim is survived by his ever-loving and devoted wife of nearly 54 years, Carolyn (Lipton) Connolly, sons Neville (Linda) Connolly, Tony (Allyson) Connolly, daughter Lisa (Chris) Beck (née Connolly), and 9 wonderful grand children; Noah, Greg, Josef, Haley, Julia, Jacquelyn, Alexa, Sophie and Sarah. “Jimmy” will be greatly missed and remembered by his brother Shaun (Doreen) and sisters Moira (Brian), Angela (Jack) and Brenda (Art), sister-in-law Marilyn (Peter) Branson, his 27 nieces and nephews, godchild Paul Kania and many wonderful extended family members and close friends who are too numerous to mention. Jim is predeceased by his siblings Brian, Sheila, and niece Tanya.

After high school, Jim spent a brief period serving in the U.S. Army as an artilleryman and paratrooper, before earning degrees in Arts, Business/Commerce and Education from St. Mary’s University. He put his post-secondary education to use as a teacher at St. Pat’s Alexandra school in Halifax, NS. He soon transitioned to his true calling, demonstrating his talent and strengths, working in the automotive industry. It was here that Jim excelled at various roles in sales, finance, training, and management at dealerships throughout the HRM and Eastern Canada prior to enjoying his retirement. Jim was an active member of the Catholic Church, a lifelong supporter of local Nova Scotian sports as well as a diehard Boston Red Sox fan.

While he spent the majority of his working life in the automotive industry, it’s truly ironic that Jim detested driving (and truth be told, was pretty terrible at it!). Much to his loving wife Carolyn’s relief, Jim was happy to sit back as a passenger being chauffeured by her on many a relaxing Sunday drive. Although not a handyman by trade, Jim was never deterred by this fact. Unfortunately, his friends would often require an actual tradesperson after a “helpful” visit from Jim. One such handyman story was the time Jim managed to shock himself to the TV whilst attempting to fix an electrical appliance that was both plugged in and switched on. Clearly, life was never dull with Jim.

Jim will be fondly remembered for his infectious laugh and his mischievous sense of humour, which were the highlight of many family gatherings. Jim was truly happiest alongside Carolyn as they hosted their annual Christmas Eve open houses and countless other social gatherings with family and friends Jim considered as family. Jim’s ability to deliver a story was unmatched. To be in Jim’s presence at any such gathering, you were pretty much guaranteed to have a stomach hurting from laughter.

Although Jim was 100% directionally-challenged he always managed to end up at the right destination, much to the surprise of his life long friends that he enjoyed travelling with. He was a BBQ chef enthusiast who firmly believed charring meat at high heat was the only option. The phrase, “he would give you the shirt off his back.” always rang true for Jim. He was fiercely loyal to his friends, beyond proud, strong willed and with a physical strength that seemed beyond human. As legends go, it is firmly believed that Jim is the only successful human to break a claw off a metal hammer simply by holding it. Jim was a devoted family man who delighted in teasing his grandchildren. Jim spoke fondly of his time spent with family and friends at Carolyn’s family cottage (Medford Beach), travelling to see his family in New Hampshire and in later years spending long leisurely summer days with family and friends at Cockscomb Lake.

A Celebration of Life/Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2022 from 4-6 pm at the J.A. Snow Funeral Home, at 339 Lacewood Dr, Halifax, NS.

PLEASE NOTE: Although masks are no longer mandatory to attend visitation, we encourage all guests to continue safe practices regarding the COVID-19 virus. Where social distancing is not possible, we respectfully ask you to wear a mask.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia (in consideration of our mother Carolyn), or to a charity of your choosing.

A special thanks to the dedicated and caring front-line care workers at Arborstone Enhanced Care Nursing Home in Halifax, NS. A special thanks also to the hard-working staff at the QEII for their exemplary level of care and compassion.