SMYRNA - James Michael O'Connor passed away after a prolonged illness on Jan. 14, 2018. He was born to Edwin and Doris Baxter in Camden, N.J. on Aug. 11, 1950.
James worked for 42 years developing two products that were successfully patented by the DuPont Company, which are still in use today. James was an avid husband, father, son, brother, coach, mentor, teacher, inventor, and friend. He was an all-around amazing man who continuously made people laugh with his unwavering wit. All who knew Jim would say he was an incredible family man as his wife, daughters, and especially his granddaughters were the "apple of his eye."
James was predeceased by his parents, and brother, Edwin, Doris, and Edward Baxter.
He is survived by his devoted high school sweetheart of 47 years, Valerie (Graham) O'Connor; loving daughters, Jennifer O'Connor, Kristan (O'Connor) Garofalo; and his dedicated son, Michael O'Connor. He is also survived by his loving sister-in-law, Leslie (Graham) Lavery. He has two beautiful granddaughters, Adriana and Juliana Garofalo who absolutely adored and admired their Pop-Pop. Survived by his three sisters, Sandra Majka, Eileen Mackey, and Judy Searcy and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church, 20 West Mount Vernon Street, Smyrna. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery at Intersection of Clara and North New Streets, Dover.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517.
Letters of condolences may be sent and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com