James F Connors

James Francis Connors

August 31, 1930 - March 21, 2026

Beloved Husband, Father, Uncle, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather and Friend

James F. “Shakey” Connors, 95, of Lowell, Massachusetts, Lakeland, Florida and most recently, Weeki Wachee, Florida, passed away peacefully with his family by his side after a short illness. He was known for his humor and as a kind, compassionate, prayer warrior. He loved his family and friends and expressed gratitude for his long life full of wonderful experiences.

The son of the late James F.  and Sophie (Sott) Connors, he was born on August 31, 1930, in Lawrence, Massachusetts, spending most of his early years in Lowell, Massachusetts. He attended St. Patrick’s Boys School and Lowell High School.

He enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1951 and served four years of active duty during the Korean Conflict where he was an ammunition truck driver and firefighter.

For 28 years he was a proud member of the Hanscom Air Force Base Fire Department in Bedford, Massachusetts and served many of those years as Captain.

He loved music of all genres but favored big bands and oldies. He loved to camp, travel and was an avid reader - often reading two or three books at the same time.

If you knew Jim, you heard many comical stories of his antics in life. In 1968, he met Claire and they married in 1971. They had 54 years of wedded bliss. In 1981, they decided to escape the snow and cold of the north and moved to the warmth and sunshine of Florida. Whenever you were around them, you would hear them laughing and talking to each other about the many adventures and journeys they experienced in life.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents: James and Sophie Connors, his sister: Shirley (Connors) LeBoeuf, his son: Jimmy Connors Jr., his stepson: Billy Petrin, his twin granddaughters: Shaylea and Kristi Connors, and his grandson: Mark J. Connors Jr.

He is survived by his wife Marie Claire Connors, his daughter, Darlene Connors of Weeki Wachee, Florida, his son Mark ( & Sherri) Connors of Hudson, New Hampshire, and his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Funeral will be held at Bushnell National Cemetery with U.S. Military Honors on March 30, 2026 @ 2:00PM

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