James Martin Connors

James Connors (Jim) of Madison, CT, passed away at his home on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the age of 93. He was surrounded by his family and under their care when he peacefully left us. He was born on July 25, 1932, in Palisade Park, NJ, where he grew up in West New York, NJ.

He graduated from Memorial High School in 1950. Upon graduation, Jim enlisted with the U.S. Air Force and served as Senior Airman during the Korean war until he was honorably discharged in 1955. Jim was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal for his service. He was proud to serve his country and often spoke of his experiences as an aerial photographer onboard the B-36 Peacemaker aircraft.

After leaving the Air Force, Jim attended Fairleigh Dickenson University in NJ before starting his life-long career at Lever Brothers Company in New York City. He worked many roles throughout his 35 years with Lever Brothers and rose through the ranks to the position of Director of Personal Products. Jim moved to Madison, CT, in 1988 after Lever Brothers merged with Chesebrough Ponds in Clinton, CT, before retiring in 1992.

He, along with his wife Joan, were actively involved in Shoreline SARAH and the Special Olympics for several years after retirement. Jim served as volunteer and coach for many activities such as track and field, softball, and skating and also advised leadership to help improve their service.

As a grandparent, Jim together with his wife Joan, helped their three children by caring for each and everyone of their four grandchildren while their parents worked. Jim was an incredibly dedicated grandfather who went as far as living part time in Boston to care for his granddaughter Mia three days each week for the first 2.5 years of her life. Jim and Joan also took their grandchildren on trips to Disney World, ski trips, road trips to Canada and South Carolina. They attended concerts, plays, graduations at every level, sporting events and every other special occasion for all of their grandchildren and beamed with pride at their accomplishments.

Jim enjoyed all kinds of “do-it-yourself” projects in the home and was quite the handyman at home. He did some large renovations starting with his first family home in Huntington Station, NY, where he completed the second floor of his cape house with innovative “in-the-wall” dressers and bed cubbies for his two sons to share a large bedroom as young boys. He also leant his talents and abilities to his son Greg in the many renovations that Greg, like his father, made to his first home including finishing the second floor of his cape home.

Jim enjoyed sports and would talk for hours with his sons, Greg and Doug, or anyone who would entertain endless conversations on his favorite teams: the NY Yankees and NY Giants. From Yankees salt and pepper holders to Giants throws and pillows, the house in Madison is overflowing with all kinds of fan paraphernalia.

Jim is preceded in death by his mother, Beatrice (Maguire), and his five sisters, Gwendolyn, Laurian (Bowlin), Myrna (McLoughlin), Beatrice (O’Neill) and Patricia (Van Vliet).

He is survived by his wife, (Margaret) Joan Candia Connors, his three children and their spouses, Gregory and Diana, Pamela and Americo (Rick), Douglas and Lin, and his four grandchildren, Samantha, Mia, Alyssa and Brianna.

Jim touched countless lives through his compassion, loyalty, and gentle presence. A dear family man and friend to many, he was known for his witty charm and could make just about anyone laugh, his warm smile, and his devotion and selfless support for the people he cared about.

Family and friends are invited to attend visitation services at Swan Funeral Home location at 825 Boston Post Rd Madison, CT, on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, between 4:00pm and 8:00pm.

There will also be a Memorial Mass at Saint Mary Church of the Visitation located at 54 Grove Street, Clinton, CT, on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 11:00 am.

Interment to follow at State Veterans Cemetery 317 Bow Lane, Middletown, CT, at 1:00pm.