James R. McConnell

James R. McConnell, age 72, of New Philadelphia, passed away peacefully early Friday afternoon, December 17, 2010 in Amberwood Manor. Born at Dover, January 22, 1938, he was a son of the late Richard D. and Margaret M. Baldwin McConnell. A 1956 graduate of New Philadelphia High School, James entered the United States Navy in the autumn of 1956, and served honorably until his discharge two years later. He returned to the valley in 1958 and on September 26, 1959, married the former Sandy Kohler. Together the two have observed fifty-one years of marriage prior to his passing. Remembered as a dedicated and hard working man, Jim entered workforce at the former Reeves Mill while still in high school, and retired from Empire Detroit Steel and their successor Cyclops Steel thirty-nine years later in 1994. Jim was also a talented woodworker Â? and put his skills to use working alongside the Larkin family in their pipe and contracting businesses. He also worked with Kenny Bayer Excavating. Even after his retirement from the mill, Jim kept busy serving customers from behind the counter of Carter Lumber at Dover. At home, Jim enjoyed caring for his horses. Many happy family memories were made riding in a carriage pulled by his team up and down Old Route 21. Jim was also an excellent cook Â? and was known for his famous breakfast spreads on holidays, or when the grandchildren spent the night. Survivors, in addition to his loving wife of fifty-one years includes, a son, Bob McConnell and his companion Sally Vance, a daughter; Mary Jo Meek and her companion Steve Ramsey, all of New Philadelphia. He’ll be sadly missed by his six grandchildren; Alex McConnell (fiancé Nate Geers), Lindsay (husband Nathan) Jackson, Molly (husband Jimmy) Harper, Stephanie, Seth and Caitlin Meek. Five great-grandchildren; Taylor, Hunter, Matthew and Ryan Jackson and Naomi Grace Harper also survive. Two brothers; Jerry (wife Alice) McConnell of Barnhill, and Rick (wife, Kathy) McConnell of New Philadelphia, and a sister, Becky (husband Tom) Ferren of Dover, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins who complete the family. In addition to his parents, Jim is preceded in death by a niece, Jodi Johnson. Friends are invited to call Monday afternoon from 4-7 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Pastor David Carrick will lead funeral services for the McConnell family Tuesday morning at 10:30 in the funeral home’s chapel. Cremation will follow the service with interment and military honors in Ridgecrest Memory Gardens at Dover, planned at a later date. Following the service, family and friends will gather for a reception in the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the funeral home. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 West Third Street, Dover, OH 44622, or to the activity fund at Amberwood Manor, 245 South Broadway, New Philadelphia, OH 44663. Linn-Hert-Geib (330) 343-5506 www.geibcares.com