Obituary of James E. Connor

James Edward Connor was born on September 19, 1924 to the late James Roscoe Connor and Ella Louise "Lula" Magnes Connor in Hickory, North Carolina. He was the oldest of four children. He graduated from Ridgeview High School in 1941. He served in the Army from 1943 to approximately 1948 as a private during WWII. He was honorably discharged from service in 1948. James loved life and loved to travel. He has lived many different places in his life. He lived briefly in Paris, London and Germany; as well as, Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; Jamestown, NY; and Hickory, NC. James had been employed in various fields and businesses; most notably for his garbage hauling business in which he owned and operated with the help of his best friend, Bernard "Bernie" Jones. He retired to Hickory, NC in 1990 to care for his ailing father. James had a kind heart and would always be the first in line to help those in need. In 1992, at the age of 67, James obtained his CNA certification and worked as a home health care aide for the next 15 years. James was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was known by many as the "go-to-guy" when it came to gardening. He had many passions in life but his children were his pride and joy. James made a peaceful transition with family by his side on Wednesday, May 28, 2014 in Jamestown, NY. James is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Jack Crouch "JC" Connor and Garfield Connor; a sister, Mary Elizabeth Davis; a son, Dwayne Connor; his wife, Alverston Fox Connor; and good friend and mother of two of his children, Bridgette Jimerson. He leaves many behind to cherish his memory; four sons, Melvin Connor of Florida; Noah (Amber Tibbitts) Soto and Brandon Jimerson of Jamestown, NY; Leon of Morganton, NC; four daughters Dolly Hinson of Atlanta, GA; Rochelle Chappelle of Chicago, IL; Lisa (Shawn) Duffee and Brandi Jimerson of Jamestown, NY. His grandchildren include Makai and Jadassee Soto of Newton, NC; Kaitlyn, Kristina, and Kristian Duffee; Matthew, Cheyenne, and Jaymen Jimerson and Tanner Erickson all of Jamestown, NY; Norman Chappelle and Nicole Chappelle; Endia Mosby and Brandon Reynolds all of Chicago, IL; adopted sister, Rosetta Connor of Maryland; sister-in-law, Beulah Mae "Kit" Connor of Hickory, NC; former companion of twelve years, Bonnie Soto of Jamestown, NY; special friend of many years, Sherdena Brackman; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and all that affectionately knew him as "Wish" or "Aloysius". A Memorial Service will be held later in June at a time to be announced by the Lind Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a Veteran's Group of choice.