James Connor

JAMES WILLIAM CONNOR James William ("Jim") Connor was born on August 21, 1932 in Seminole, OK to William Michael and Gertrude (Smith) Connor. The family moved to Tulsa, OK in 1938 and Jim received his primary education there. He attended and graduated from Marquette High School in 1950, lettering in both football and basketball. He graduated from St. Benedict's College in Atchinson, Kansas in 1954 with a degree in Business Administration. Upon graduation, he entered the United States Army, serving with the 9th Infantry Division in the Army of Occupation of Germany. Upon his Honorable Discharge, he enrolled in the University of Oklahoma College of Law and graduated in January of 1959 with honors. Jim married Louise Allen Rucker of Bartlesville on February 27, 1960 at St. John Catholic Church. They were blessed with four children: James W. Connor, Jr., Laura Connor Blight, Patrick M. Connor, MD, and Andrew A. Connor. Jim, Jr. lives in Tulsa with his wife, Amy, and their children Anna Louise and John Austin. Laura and her husband, Andrew J. Blight, live in Tulsa with their children Emma Claire, Mary Ellen, Andrew John, Jr., and Benjamin Allen. Patrick and his wife, Terry, live in Charlotte, NC with their children William Ryan, Blair Cathleen, Jennifer Grace and Caroline Dahl. Drew lives in Tulsa with his daughter, Abigail Jane. Upon graduation from law school, Jim took the job of Assistant County Attorney in Bartlesville. He was elected County Attorney for the 1961-62 term of office. During his years as Assistant and County Attorney, he never lost a criminal prosecution. Upon leaving the County Attorney's Office, he began his private practice of law with Charles W. Selby where he continued practicing, under the firm now known as Selby, Connor, Maddux and Janer, until the time of his death. In 1962, Jim was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives where he served as the State Representative from District 10 for a period of eight years. The Capital Press Corps, during that time, selected after each session of the legislature the ten outstanding Legislators, Senators or Representatives, who in their opinion made meaningful contributions to the operation of state government. Jim was honored in this manner every session he served. Additionally, Jim served as Minority Floor Leader for Governors Henry Bellmon and Dewey F. Bartlett. After leaving the legislature, Jim returned to Bartlesville and his private practice of law. He also served as Bartlesville City Attorney during 1974 and 1975. Jim was a member of the American, Oklahoma and Washington County Bar Associations; the Bartlesville Jaycees, receiving the Distinguished Man of the Year Award in 1967; the Bartlesville Chamber of Commerce; the Daybreak Rotary Club; and Hillcrest Country Club, serving as President in 1977. He was President of the Bartlesville Junior Baseball Association, coached and managed little league teams, was a long-time member of the finance committee at St. John Catholic Church, and served in many other civic pursuits. Jim and Mr. Selby were instrumental in founding the E.H. "Ted" and Melody Lyon Foundation in 1978. The goal of the foundation was to improve the quality of life in Bartlesville and the surrounding areas. In 1990, he was elected President and assumed the position of General Manager, a position he held until the time of his death. The Lyon Foundation, to date, has disbursed over eighteen million dollars for worthwhile projects in the community. As a perpetual foundation, it will exceed this amount many times in the future to the benefit of all citizens in this area. A memorial has been established and those who wish to contribute may do so in lieu of flowers to Marquette Catholic School, c/o Mr. Pete Theban, Principal, 1519 South Quincy, Tulsa, OK, 74120. Honorary Casket escorts include Don Donaldson, John F. Kane, John B. Kane, Mark Myers MD, Larry Markel MD, Walter Allison, Bruce Robinett and Tom Janer. A Mass of the resurrection will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday in the sanctuary of St. Johns Catholic Church with The Reverend Festus Maliwa and The Reverend Father Paul Gallatian officiating. Rosary for Mr. Connor will be said at 6:00 pm on Thursday in the sanctuary of St. Johns Catholic Church with The Reverend Festus Maliwa officiating. Final committal rites will be accorded Mr. Connor on the family plot of the Memorial Park Cemetery. Funeral services are under the direction of the Neekamp-Luginbuel Funeral Home. Online Condolences may be left at www.honoringmemories.com.

Service Details

Friday, March 28th, 2008 2:00pm, St. John Before The Latin Gate

Interment Details

Memorial Park Cemetery Bartlesville