James M. McConnell, 65, New Florence, PA (Shady Grove) died on December 24, 2021 at Indiana Regional Medical Center, Indiana, PA. He was born October 17, 1956 in Johnstown, PA to his late parents Burnell J. and Dorothy I. (Nelson) McConnell.
He is survived by his beloved sister and best friend, Audree Lindsey & husband, Bill; sister, Dianne Campbell & husband, Paul; brother, Craig McConnell & wife, Kerry; nieces: Pam Grata & husband, Jeremy, Melissa Gorman & husband, Eric and Angie Krouse & husband, Chuck; nephews: Doug Lindsey, Stephen Campbell & wife, Beth, Chad McConnell & significant other, Cassidy and Kory McConnell & fiancé, Taylor; 9 Great Nieces & Nephews, a Great-great Nephew, a Great-great Niece and many special friends and acquaintances.
Jim was a self-employed welder and fabricator. He was a member of the Masons-Acacia Lodge No. 355, F.&A.M. (Blairsville), Union Signal Corps Reenactors and Ligonier Valley Historical Society. He enjoyed volunteering for the Compass Inn Museum. Interests were many and included painting, civil war history and reenactment, camping, baking pies for local county fairs and tending to his property including campsites for others to enjoy.
Per Jim’s wishes, there will be no viewing. A memorial and graveside service will be held at Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church in Blairsville on Saturday, January 1st at noon. Interment will follow at the Germany Lutheran Cemetery where he will be laid to rest with his companion, Boots. Dinner and a time of reflection will follow.
The James F. Ferguson Funeral Home in Blairsville is in charge of arrangements.
Memorial donations may be given in Jim’s name to the Compass Inn Museum, 1386 US-30 East, Laughlintown, PA 15655 or Track Chairs for Disabled Veterans, c/o Independence Fund, 32379 Collection Center Drive, Chicago, IL 60693-0230.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by the James F. Ferguson Funeral Home, Inc., 25 W. Market St., Blairsville, PA 15717.
