James E. 'Jim' Connolly, 74
James E. "Jim" Connolly, 74, passed away early in the morning of Tuesday, May 22, 2007, at HealthCenter Northwest in Kalispell, after a courageous fight against cancer. He was born Nov. 30, 1932, in St. Paul, Minn. to Jerry and Lillian Connolly.
He graduated from Cretin High School in St. Paul in 1950, and after serving in the U.S. Army National Guard, received both his bachelor's degree and Ph.D. in communications from the University of Minnesota.
In 1954, he married Naomi Lofgren and they remained in the Twin Cities area for more than 35 years, raising their family of four sons, Marc, Paul, Michael and Steven, and making many friends in the community.
Jim began his college teaching career as chairman of the speech department at Hamline University in St. Paul where he taught for more than 10 years before moving on as professor of rhetoric at the University of Minnesota where he taught for an additional 25 years.
His thirst for knowledge and dedication to the craft of teaching left a lasting impression on all the students that attended his classes, including three of his four children. He also was well known as a professional communication consultant and public speaker.
His family spent many summer vacations in the west and the whole family fell in love with the beauty of the Rockies, particularly Glacier National Park.
After retiring from teaching, Jim and Naomi followed the path of three of their sons and settled into their retirement years in beautiful Kalispell. In his retirement years, Jim was active in the community, including serving as the president of Village Green Home Owner's Association.
Jim had many hobbies, including reading, crossword puzzles, public speaking, hiking and spotting wildlife. He was also active in the church as an elder and choir member, and was an avid golfer, storyteller, advisor and Golden Gopher sports fan. More importantly, he was a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, teacher and friend, and enriched the lives of all those he met with his kindness, wit, knowledge, sense of humor and quiet confidence. He will be missed by many.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry and Lillian Connolly.
He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Naomi Connolly, of Kalispell; four sons, Marc Connolly and wife Mary, and Michael Connolly and wife Maggie, all of Kalispell, Paul Connolly and wife Kathy, and Steven Connolly and wife Nicki, of Shoreview, Minn.; his 10 grandchildren, Eric, Sarah, Caitlin, Abigail, Megan, Cheyenne, Logan, Christine, Patrick and Cody; and his brother, John Connolly, and wife, Joan, of Bowie, Md. He also leaves behind his beloved dogs, Reggie and Annie Jo.
A celebration of Jim's life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 25, at Risen Christ Catholic Church with Father Rudy Bullman as celebrant. There will be no visitation.
The family suggests memorials be given to Home Options Hospice, 175 Commons Loop, Ste. 100, Kalispell, MT 59901; or the charity of your choice.
Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Jim's family. You are invited to go to www.johnsonmortuary.com to offer condolences and sign Jim's guest book.