James E. O’Connell

An alumnus of Canisius High School, Jim received a full academic scholarship and earned a varsity swimming letter. He continued his education at the former Canisius College, obtaining both a BS and MA in English literature and theatre. He also held an MBA in finance from St. Bonaventure University. As president of the Canisius Little Theatre, he met Barbara, the love of his life.

Jim served in the Army during the Vietnam War from 1969 – 1971. As a Captain in the US Army Signal Corps, he was awarded the Bronze Star for outstanding service in Vietnam – specifically in Cu Chi and Cam Ranh Bay. Jim lived a full life with quiet modesty, despite dealing with devastating health problems due to Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam.

He held several roles throughout his career. Jim taught English Language Arts at Maryvale High School in Cheektowaga. Later, he served as CFO at the former Crolle Agway in Forestville and the former Verblaw Motors in Jamestown. He was also the Credit Manager for the former Gernatt Family of Companies in Collins.

Jim was deeply committed to community service, dedicating over a decade to the Forestville School Board. He was an active participant in the Silver Creek Kiwanis and served St. Anthony Parish in Fredonia as a lector and catechist. For many years he also volunteered at the St. Rose of Lima Parish Lawn Fete. As a past member of the Tri-County Country Club, he enjoyed numerous rounds of golf, both in the men’s league with his late golfing partner Frank Dudek, and in the couples league with Barb.

An early Trekkie, Jim watched Star Trek from its first broadcast in the 1960s. He was an avid reader, particularly of science fiction, and could often be found enjoying several books at once. He was a devoted theatre enthusiast and for over twenty-five years he and Barb were dedicated members of the Studio Arena Theatre in Buffalo. Jim loved to travel and experience new places. He embarked on an RV adventure with his family exploring Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon and all the sights along the way. In retirement, he and Barb enjoyed several cruises, including trips to the Bahamas and a memorable Alaskan adventure, as well as a train journey across Canada. He had a deep affection for the California coast, particularly Monterey Bay and San Francisco. Earlier in life he took his family camping on Mount Rainier in Washington state. A devoted fan since the “Rockpile” days, Jim always hoped to see the Buffalo Bills win the Super Bowl. He will always be remembered as a hero by his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Barbara J. (Crolle) O’Connell of Forestville, whom he married on July 2, 1966; a daughter Kathleen O’Connell-Armstrong, of Hamburg; two sons James (Julia Mattingly) O’Connell, of Forestville, William (Johnna Mauro) O’Connell, of Orchard Park; three brothers Joseph O’Connell, of Amherst, Matthew (Barbara) O’Connell, of Midlothian, VA, Thomas O’Connell, of Covington, WA; and a brother-in-law James (Carol) Crolle of Westfield. Also surviving are seven cherished grandchildren Seamus, Caitleen, Micheal & Clare O’Connell and Liam, Johnathan and Mae Mauro-O’Connell, and many nieces and nephews.

Friends are welcome to call at Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main St., Forestville on Friday from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday at 10 o’clock from Holy Trinity Church, 1032 Central Ave., Dunkirk. Please meet at church. Private interment will be in Holy Trinity Cemetery Columbarium.

The family suggests memorials may be made either to Anderson-Lee Library, 43 Main St., Silver Creek, NY, 14136, or to the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter #459, PO Box 656, Dunkirk, NY 14048. To post condolences or memories go to https://rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.