James Alan Conner Sr.

James A. Conner Sr. was born on September 29, 1947, to his parents Berdan E. Conner, Sr. and Betty Jean (Frise) Wishart-Conner. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who left an indelible mark on the lives of those who had the privilege of knowing him. To his children, he left an example of generosity shown to family, friends, and friends made along the way that they can only strive to emulate.

Jim graduated from Northern High School in 1965, and went on to earn an associate's degree in Police Administration from Flint Junior College in 1968.

Jim came to know the “Love of his life” Martha (Newcomb) Conner while serving in the choir at North Baptist Church. They married on June 28, 1968 and went on to raise five children across several decades.

As newlyweds, Jim served his country in the Navy Reserves until being medically discharged.

In 1969, Jim began a 16 year career working security at Chevrolet and General Motors Flint facilities. During this time, he completed a Bachelor’s of Arts in Sociology and Corrections from University of Michigan Flint in 1975 and a Master’s of Divinity from the Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary in 1981.

Jim filled pulpits while continuing to work security until he accepted a pastorate at First Baptist Church of Belfast New York in 1984.

Jim returned to Michigan in 1987, and began a long career with the state of Michigan starting in Child Protective Services in 1989. He moved to the Mid-Michigan Correctional Facility in 1990 to serve as a Chaplain. Finally, in 1995 he began service as a probation, and later parole, officer until his retirement in 2010.

He continued in Christian ministry, even as he was employed elsewhere, by serving in his local church, supporting ride-along chaplains for law enforcement, and later serving as a visiting minister at a retirement facility.

Having a love for education and scripture study, he began a Doctorate in 2015 with the Anderson Theological Seminary working to compile a verse by verse translation and commentary of Paul’s works.

In his youth, Jim was a member of the swim team at school and worked as a lifeguard. He continued to enjoy swimming throughout his life. He participated enthusiastically in the martial arts. He participated for over 50 years, studying judo, karate, and aikido in his youth, and later spending 25+ years with the Flint Sho Bu Do Jiu-Jitsu club.

James Conner was preceded in death by his father and mother, by his brother Berdan “Dan” Conner, stepfather John “Jack” Wishart, son-in-law Bradley Ferrett, and great-grandson Logan Johnson. Jim is survived by his devoted wife of 55 years, Martha Conner, as well as his daughter and son-in-law Roxilee and Angus Powell, sons and daughters-in-law James and Kari Conner, Andrew and Mary Conner, Jeffrey and Katie Conner, and Jared and Desirae Conner, as well as his sister and brother-in-law, Dee Ann and David Hamm, sister-in-law Diana Conner, and step-sister Cindy Jones.

Jim was a beloved grandfather to a multitude of grandchildren: Bethany (Lance) Schatz, Ariel Ferrett, Cherith Ferrett, Eden (Luke) Torres, Gethsemane Ferrett, Kelsie (Michael) Fromwiller, Karis (Andrew) Odette, Elisabeth Conner, Natalie (Kyle) Thompson, Brittany (Stephen) Sutton, Georgia Townsend, Caleb (Jenna) Conner, Nathan Conner, Nicole Conner, David (Ashleigh) Johnson, Kristina Hand, Adam (Halie) Smith-Johnson, Timothy Johnson, Katherine (Ryan) Cummings, Mary Johnson, Benjamin Johnson, Michelle Johnson, Samuel Conner, and foster grandchildren C.J. and D.J. He also welcomed great-grandchildren into his heart: Bella, Brycelynn, Noah, Ava, Mason, Elijah, Quinn, Audrey, Justin, Logan, and Marshall.

James A. Conner Sr. touched the lives of many with his unwavering faith, love, and commitment to family, faith, and community. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for the legacy of love and devotion he leaves behind.

Funeral visitation will be held Tuesday, September 12, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home; 1480 E Hill Rd, Grand Blanc Twp, MI 48439. The funeral service will be on Wednesday, September 13, at 11:00 a.m. at Brown Funeral Home; 1480 E Hill Rd, Grand Blanc Twp, MI 48439. Following the funeral service, James will be laid to rest at Flint Memorial Park; 9506 N Dort Hwy, Mt Morris, MI 48458. The family also welcomes all to join them for a luncheon at Berean Baptist Church after the graveside committal; 6705 Rustic Ridge Trail, Grand Blanc, MI 48439.