James Leo Connolly III

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James Leo Connolly III. On November 14, 2022, while traveling to South Dakota for a hunting trip, the Lord rerouted him to a new destination, his home in heaven. "Jim" was born April 13, 1957 in Youngstown Ohio, the son of James and Janeice Connolly.

Jim was a graduate of Fitch High School in Austintown, Ohio. He played football, was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity and graduated from Tennessee Technological University. He received his Master’s degree from Edinboro State University and his Doctorate from Barry University. Jim served as a guidance counselor and head football coach at Jackson Milton High School in Ohio. He founded Joey Technologies where he was a pioneer in the development of software for handheld computers for coaches. This led to Jim relocating with his family to Saint Petersburg, Florida. When the company sold, Jim returned to education at Saint Petersburg College as an eCampus Director, Corporate Training Director, and at present was teaching online classes. Jim was serving as an area director with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), which brought together his love for God, students, and sports.

Jim was full of adventure and loved hunting, fishing, football, travel, the outdoors, and time with his family and friends. Jim received his Eagle Scout award when he was 13 and enjoyed mentoring others toward that goal. He was a member of The Gathering Church where he served in many roles, but his greatest passion was students and young adults. He led and attended Bible studies for years with two that were long-standing: Men’s Bible Study at church and the Rednecks. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited and promoted wildlife conservation. The most outstanding attribute of Jim was his love for people.

James is survived by his parents, his wife Brenda Connolly, his sister Robin Bancroft (Chuck), his daughters Kristin Donoghue (Casey) and Lauren Yeager (Kevin), and his grandchildren Casey, Kayla, and Caleb Donoghue.

Jimmy will be missed, but he is home with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. John 3:16-17

A Celebration of Life service will be held on December 3rd at 10:00 am at The Gathering Church (formerly, Northeast Presbyterian), 4400 Shore Acres Blvd NE. St. Petersburg, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Fellowship of Christian Athletes: https://my.fca.org/jimconnolly

FCA exemplified his love for God, students, and sports.