James Robert Connelly, 84, died on January 20, 2026, at his home in Martinsville, VA. Jim was born on November 24, 1941, in Greensboro, NC, to the late Elizabeth Simmons Connelly and Mead Lee Connelly. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Michael O’Kelly Connelly.
He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Katherine Key Connelly, of the home, daughter, Susan Lisa Connelly(Charles) of Hillsborough, NC, and son, James Robert Connelly, Jr., (Lisa), of Mt. Pleasant, SC., Grandchildren, Harper Vance, Jim, Joshua, Hannah and Ruth Connelly, and Jack and Grace Saldana; brother, Mead Connelly, Jr. and sister-in-law, Lydia Connelly.
Jim moved to Martinsville his junior year in high school, and quickly became one of the outstanding football players for the school. He received a football scholarship from Wake Forest College, where his father had played during his college years. While at Wake, he joined the ROTC and after graduation, proudly served in the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant in Washington, DC.
In 1971, Jim returned to Martinsville to work with his dad as salesman for abrasives in the furniture industry. He was a former member of First Baptist Church Martinsville, where he served as a Deacon and on many committees. The last 20 years he was a member of Smith Memorial United Methodist Church in Collinsville, VA, where he made lasting friendships.
Jim enjoyed helping those in need and loved being an interviewer at Grace Network for many years. He gave to many charities focused on feeding the hungry and he gladly drove many to needed medical appointments. The many small kindnesses he did for others were evidence of both his big heart and how much he cared for his community.
Being athletic, Jim loved playing sports starting in his younger years; and later, watching sports, especially if Wake was playing. He was a devoted Demon Deacon fan. Jim loved the beach and visits to Hilton Head Island with family.
As a cherished father and grandfather, “Dado” got down on the floor with them to play with trains, cars and Barbie, dress up for Tea Parties, and take them for rides in his convertibles. Cars were a passion for Jim, and he could recall moments in his life around what car he was driving at the time.
He lived a long and full life courageously, despite many health challenges. Jim will be greatly missed and fondly remembered for his strong faith, the love he gave to others, his sense of humor, and a life of integrity.
There are no words that can express how grateful and blessed we are to have had Mallory Knight, RN and the staff of Amedisys Hospice Care at home, and many wonderful friends who have supported Jim and his family.
A memorial service will be held at Collins-McKee-Stone Funeral Home in Martinsville on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 2 pm. Visitation will begin at 1 pm. A reception will follow at the Parish House at Christ Episcopal Church.
In lieu of flowers, the Connelly family respectfully requests donations in Jim’s memory to be made to Grace Network, Saint Jude’s Research Hospital or the charity of the donor’s choice.
McKee-Stone Funeral Home, Martinsville, Va. is serving the family. To express condolences online, please visit www.collinsmckeestonemartinsville.com
