James Lee Connell

After a long and courageous battle with Leukemia, James Lee Connell died peacefully on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at the University of North Carolina Lineberger Cancer Center, surrounded by his loved ones. His motto was “Keep the spirit”. His unwavering courage, his service to others and his mischievous sense of humor were hallmarks of his character. In this way, he ultimately defeated cancer for it could never touch his spirit. He was a beloved husband, father and devoted friend who would always light up a room with his zest for life and twinkle in his eye.

Jim was the son of the late Eleanor Louise Reed and Elzie Sharpe Connell, and stepson of the late Margaret Caldwell Connell of Raleigh. Jim attended North Carolina State University and was a graduate of Campbell University. Upon graduation, he served in the United States Marine Corps as a CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War. He remained actively involved with his squadron, HMM-262, throughout his lifetime. He enjoyed organizing reunions and maintained close friendships with his fellow squadron members. Following his military service, he returned to Raleigh and spent the remainder of his career in the investment business. He was a stockbroker with Mid-Atlantic Securities for many years. He was a member of Christ Church, a past board member of Hilltop Home, and a longtime member of the West Raleigh Rotary Club where he served as past president and was a Paul Harris Fellow. He was also a member of the Carolina Country Club, Lamplighters, and Milburnie Fishing Club.

Jim loved the outdoors and was happiest in a duck blind, on a boat deep-sea fishing, or walking his dog Gallie on the greenway. He was often referred to as the “Mayor of the Greenway”. Jim was a loyal friend to many, and his greatest treasure was his family.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Elizabeth Pollard Connell; son James Lee Connell Jr., his wife Nicole Salem Connell, and granddaughter Grace Fentress Connell; daughter Anne Gibson Connell Albright and husband Thomas Scott Albright; sister Katherine Connell Whitley and husband Willard Maxwell Whitley; niece Anna Kathryn Whitley, nephew Graham Maxwell Whitley and numerous cousins. He is predeceased by his brother Charles Caldwell Connell.

Our family is forever grateful to Dr. Matthew Foster, Melissa Matson, Cheri Young, Jamie Richardson and the rest of our UNC family for their care, compassion, support and friendship.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Christ Church or UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. Christ Church, 120 East Edenton Street, Raleigh, North Carolina 27601; UNC Medicine Development Attn: UNC Lineberger, PO Box 1050, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514. *Please note James Connell on the gift.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held at Christ Church on Thursday February 28, 2019 at 2pm. The family will receive friends following the service.

Arrangements by Brown-Wynne, 300 Saint Mary's Street, Raleigh.