James T. Connell of Andover passed away unexpectedly in New London on May 8, 2023 at the age of 67.

He was born in Nantucket, Massachusetts, to Martha Merriman (Bitler) and Daniel Connell. Jim graduated from Kearsarge Regional High School in 1974. During Jim’s senior year in high school the KRHS tennis team was State NHIAA Runner’s Up, Connecticut Valley Conference Champs and N.E. Tournament Participant. He later graduated from Franklin Pierce College with a Bachelors of Science.

Jim met Julia Philipson in the summer of 1989. In March 1991, Jim married Julia and they resided in Andover.  The couple gave birth to their son Jesse in 1992.  Jesse remembers both his parents for passing down their creativity. Jim enjoyed teaching Jesse tennis and music and encouraged him to pursue his goals. He is best remembered by his friends for his sense of humor and love of music.

Jim was a member of the Wilmot Flat Baptist Church and the East Andover Congregational Church. Originally Jim and Julia sang and played guitar for the Wilmot Flat Baptist Church. After Julia’s passing Jim enjoyed playing music both with the Ragged Mountain Band from Andover as well as the Living Stones from East Andover.

Jim worked at Polyclad for many years, and thereafter he worked for Timken Aerospace for many more years till his passing. His hobbies included music, tennis, hiking, reading and spending time with friends and family.

Jim was predeceased by his wife Julia; his parents; and his brothers, Dan and Bruce. Surviving members of his family include his son, Jesse Daniel, of Andover and sister Anne Kehoe of Rutland, VT. 

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Chadwick’s Funeral Home will be assisting the family with arrangements.