James "Jim" Connelly

James "Jim" Connelly, 81, of Morganton died Friday, July 6, 2012. Born in Burke County, NC on August 14, 1930, he was the son of the late H. Lester Connelly and Katherine Crawley Connelly. A graduate of University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, Jim was also a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean Conflict. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church and a past member of Morganton Rotary Club. He was very active in Little League sports and loved the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and sailing. Throughout his work career, Jim held various positions at Drexel Heritage. After retirement he volunteered for Hospice.Jim is survived by his wife, Katherine "Cackie" Post Connelly of the home; children, Mary C. McKenzie and her husband, William, of Atlanta, GA, James R. Connelly, Jr. of Atlanta, Robert P. Connelly and his wife, Angela, of Concord, and David L. Connelly of Morganton; grandchildren, Caitlin McKenzie and Mary-Cristin King and her husband, James; and great-grandchildren, Ford and Katherine King. He was a beloved and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather.A private entombment will be in the church columbarium with military honors provided by the NC National Guard. A celebration of Jim's life will be held at 11:00, Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at First United Methodist Church with the Reverends John Fowler and Todd McCullough officiating. The family will receive friends at the church following the service.Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 200 N. King St., Morganton, NC 28655 or to Palliative CareCenter and Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658. Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.