Born on February 4, 1937, in Queens, New York, James was the son of John and Mary (McGrade) Connors.
James attended Manhattan College on a full baseball scholarship and was a member of its 1957 championship team. He served in the Army Reserve from 1959 to 1962 and later used the GI Bill to earn his master’s degree in education from Hunter College. He devoted his teaching career to the Baldwin Unified School District.
James is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Johanna (Ambrose) Connors; his loving daughter, Cara Connors Schaeffer, his son-in-law, Thomas; and his cherished grandchildren, Brigid and William. He was predeceased by his siblings, John (Jackie) Connors, Thomas (Tommy) Connors, and Barbara Beirne. He was also a beloved uncle and Godfather to numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
Visitation will be held at Beney Funeral Home, 79 Berry Hill Road, Syosset, NY 11791, on November 3, 2026, from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Edward the Confessor Roman Catholic Church, 205 Jackson Avenue, Syosset, NY 11791, on November 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, 49-02 Laurel Hill Boulevard, Queens, NY 11377, at 1:00 p.m.
