The Reverend James J. Mcconnell

appointed pastor of St. James Church in Pennington. During his time at St. James the parish grew from 500 to 1450 families. He served St. James Church for more than 20 years. Upon retiring on July 30, 1999, Father Jim became Pastor Emeritus of St. James Church. He resided at Villa Vianney, the Diocesan residence for retired priests, until his passing. For many years during his retirement, Father Jim continued to assist on weekends at St. James Church and Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, West Trenton.

Father Jim served two terms as president of the Council of Priests and two terms as a Diocesan Consulter. He was chairperson of the organization of the Pastoral Council and was a member of the Board of Advisors for the Office of Priest Personnel. He also served many years as a member of the Board of Trustees for The Mount Carmel Guild in Trenton. He was a champion of social ministries. He inspired many people to work for and contribute to the Mount Carmel Guild, Martin House, Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen and many other charities.

Most importantly, Father Jim saw his ministry as a “Country Pastor,” inviting others to care for the less fortunate, the lonely and the infirmed. He lived by the motto “We are the Church,” and called each of us to be the presence of Jesus in and for our world. He empowered hundreds of people to begin innovative ministries. He helped hundreds to return to their faith. Father was a living example to everyone on how to respond to the Gospel’s call to be a humble servant to all.

Father Jim loved skiing in Colorado with his priest friends as well as playing golf and rooting for the New York Giants of the NFL. A most prayerful and spiritual person, Father still always found time to enjoy socializing. He loved to laugh and spend enjoyable times with the many friends he had made from all walks of life. He was loved by all who knew him. Father Jim’s memory will continue to inspire those he served and loved.

Pre-deceased by his parents, Florence and Charles McConnell, his sister and brother-in-law, Anita and Donald Lang, and his sister-in-law, Patricia McConnell, he is survived by his sister, Sister Mary McConnell, CSJ, of Brentwood Long Island, N.Y.; his brother, Charles Rogers McConnell, of Reston Va.; his nieces, Mary Beth and Anne Marie and their spouses, James Pope and Frank Spasoff, respectively; his nephew, Charles McConnell and his wife, Shirley; and his beloved grandnieces and grandnephews Katelyn, Meghann, Madison, Christopher and Sean.

Rite of Reception of the Body will be at 4 p.m. on Thursday at St. James Catholic Church, 115 East Delaware Ave., Pennington. Visitation for family, parishioners and friends will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Votive Mass in Honor of Jesus Christ, The High Priest, will begin at 8 p.m. Visitation will also be on Friday from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. Mass of the Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Friday followed by interment in Pennington Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, it was Fr. Jim’s wish that memorial donations be made to The Mount Carmel Guild, 73 . Clinton Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08609-1097.