AUBURN — James R. McConnell, age 76, of Auburn passed away suddenly Monday.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Laurie; his two children: Jeffrey (Catherine) and Jenna (Samuel); his brother, Thomas (Anita); and his much-loved-and-cherished grandson, Matthew.

Jim was a dedicated member of the St. Phillips Church choir and the Knights of Columbus, where he continued to contribute despite recent health challenges. He had a lifelong love of aviation with many sky-high adventures during his private pilot’s lessons.

Born and raised in Cleveland, Jim and his family moved to Auburn in 1982, when he joined Phillips Elmet as a technical sales manager. He later moved on to providing transportation services for those in need through Community Concepts and Androscoggin Home Healthcare.

Always quick with a joke and proud of his Irish heritage, Jim was a loving husband, father and brother. He will be dearly missed by his many friends and family across the country.

As Jim would say, “I’ve got a chuckle for ya. …”

Online condolences may be shared at www.funeralalternatives.net.

James R. McConnell