James Connell

James Edward Connell "Jim Bird", 84, of Charlotte, passed away Wednesday, August 14, 2013 at Carolinas Medical Center-University in Charlotte. Mr. Connell was born June 11, 1929, in Union County, to the late Steven and Maggie Connell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his four brothers and two sisters. Mr. Connell served in the United States Army as a Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne and as a Corporal with the United States Marine Corps. He retired from Union Carbide after 29 years of service and from the City of Charlotte Water Department. He was an active member of Newell Baptist Church in Charlotte serving as an usher and with the Sunday School. He enjoyed working outdoors including mowing and growing tomatoes. He also loved the "Seaside Chalet", his home at Sunset Beach. The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 17 from 12 noon to 2:00 pm at Newell Baptist Church, 9115 Newell Baptist Church Rd., Charlotte, NC 28213. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 pm with Rev. Scott Keith officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Mr. Connell is survived by his; wife of 62 years, Betty T. Connell; daughters, Deanna Connell Winstead and son-in-law Doug of Concord, Tammy Connell Robinson and son-in-law Tommy of Charlotte; granddaughter, Haley Robinson; grandson, Jake Robinson; sister, Arzena Turner of Monroe In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Newell Baptist Church or to the Little Sparrow Ministries c/o Newell Baptist Church, 9115 Newell Baptist Church Rd., Charlotte, NC 28213. Hartsell Funeral Home is serving the Connell family.