Charles James O'Connor

Charles James O’Connor, 93, died peacefully on Thursday, July 6, 2023, surrounded by his family. Beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend and a third generation Texan, Charlie was born in Dallas, TX on July 29, 1929, the only child of Julia Gibson O’Connor and John F. O’Connor. He attended Park Cities schools, Kemper Military Academy and graduated from Highland Park high school in 1947. He attended Texas Tech University and The University of North Texas and served in the Naval Reserves.

After spending time working on the family dairy & cattle farm, Charlie began a career as an independent insurance agent specializing in property and casualty insurance. He married Shelley Davis in 1969 and together they created a loving home where they made lasting memories with their children and dear friends. He was a member of Dallas Country Club and Gunstream in Wood County, TX, where he spent many days stalking elusive bass with his buddies. For almost 40 years, Charlie and Shelley made Crested Butte, CO their second home. There, Charlie cultivated his interest in fly fishing and enjoyed his time as a member of Cebolla River Ranches in Gunnison County, CO. Throughout his life, Charlie has maintained a passion for his country, fishing, sailing, hunting in South & West Texas with his sons, and searching for the perfect bowl of chili. He earned his pilot’s license in 1971 and spent many years traveling to Mexico and around the U.S. in his Bonanza.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Shelley; daughters, Julia O’Connor May and Patricia Ann O’Connor; sons, John F. O’Connor and wife, Jennifer, and Joseph Patrick O’Connor. He also leaves behind a generation of grandchildren, Matt May, Mark May and wife, Elizabeth, Ashley Bowersock and husband, Justin, Mary Lauren Kirwan and husband, Bobby, Kathryn O’Connor, Clara Sisk and husband, Alan, Julia Koonsman and husband, Luke; and 9 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by ‘Saint Katie’ – his perfect black lab. No one spun a better yarn or told a more colorful tale than Charlie. We will miss his humor, kindness, loyalty to friends, adventurous spirit, and appreciation of all things outdoors. A life well lived.

A service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 13, 2023, at Sparkman-Hillcrest Funeral Home Chapel. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be made to Operation Kindness or your favorite charity.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com for the O'Connor family.