James "Jim" Joseph Connell

James "Jim" Joseph Connell October 29, 1937 – October 6, 2025 James "Jim" Joseph Connell was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to Nellie and Owen Connell, the youngest of eight children in a proud Irish family. His siblings—Pat, Margaret, Jean, Bill, Stanley, Shirley, and Dennis- were a close-knit clan whose roots ran deep in the railroads and military service. When Jim was just 9 months old, his father, Owen, passed away, shaping a childhood marked by resilience and independence. That independent spirit showed itself early. At seven years old, Jim boarded a train in Iowa all by himself, bound for Union Station in Los Angeles to spend the summer with his siblings, a journey that foreshadowed the adventurous life ahead. Growing up in Iowa, he played baseball with passion and competed on the wrestling team, developing the competitive drive and tenacity that would define his character. He also served his country in the National Guard. As a young man, Jim ventured west to California to join his siblings and build a new life. He started a business with a partner and let people know that he was in the “diaper business,” developing a route service for cloth diapers. Years later, he founded a food supply business that specialized in seafood. With his business firmly established, he later met the love of his life, Yvonne Duran. They married in 1970 and shared 54 beautiful years together, raising three sons: Marc, Ryan, and Shawn. Jim's commitment to community ran as deep as his love for family. He was an original charter member of the Bellflower Noon Lions Club and remained its last surviving founding member, a testament to his dedication and the lasting impact he made on countless lives through service. His passions painted a picture of a man who embraced life fully: for years, he was a devoted fan of the Los Angeles Angels and Rams. He loved playing poker and was a man who appreciated a good story and a stiff whiskey among friends. Born to be a salesman, Jim possessed an infectious energy and laser focus that made every deal feel personal, whether for his business or a Lions Club fundraiser. But what truly set him apart was his gift for seeing the good in people. He could spin a yarn with the best of them, always finding humor and humanity in every story. Jim was a positive light who maintained a steady, reassuring presence through life's storms—a man who valued friendship, cherished community, and loved his family. Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Yvonne; his sons, Marc (Michelle), Ryan, and Shawn; and his grandsons, Jake (24) and Nate (20). He was preceded in death by all seven of his siblings, the last link to a generation that knew the meaning of hard work, loyalty, and love.

James "Jim" Joseph Connell

October 29, 1937 - October 6, 2025