Sgt. James Edward Conner
February 16, 1929 – December 8, 2023
Sgt. James Edward Conner, 94, ascended into the arms of Jesus on December 8, 2023. James was a born again Christian, a member of the Tavares Masonic Lodge #234 66 years and a Veteran having served in the United States Army National Guard Reserves over 30 years. He was a career mailman at the Tavares Post Office over 30 years and delivered mail in town on a bicycle during the sixties. He also owned a landscaping business and grew vegetables that he took to market.
He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Tavares and had volunteered in the kitchen. He had also been active in the Senior Citizens group at Liberty Baptist Church in Tavares for several years. James was a member of the legendary 1946 Tavares High School Bulldogs football team that went undefeated, untied and unscored upon.
James raised his two young sons as a single father which was unheard of during that generation. He was a role model as a father in every way. He served as an officer in the PTA and was active in the Tavares High School Booster Club many years including serving as President. He was known for his famous Booster BBQ’s that raised thousands of dollars annually for the Booster Club.
When he was unable to live independently in 2013, under the care of Dr. Dan Boggus, James moved into Brookdale Lake Tavares. The family would like to thank Dr. Boggus, the Associates at Brookdale and Vitas for their loving care.
James is predeceased by his parents, several brothers and sisters, his longtime companion Florence Hedegard, his son, Tommy and his granddaughter, Lindsay Anne. He is survived by his son Jimmy (Sherry), grandchildren Matt (Amy) Hendry, and Kevin Hendry, Laura (Josh) Conner Wolfe and Tim (Aimee) Conner. His great grandchildren are Kylee, Ashlyn, MJ, and Emily Hendry and Kix James Conner.
Services for James Conner will be held on December 27, at Liberty Church, 2451 Dora Ave, Tavares, Fl 32778 with Pastor Greg Watts officiating. Visitation will be at 10am with a service following at 11 am. James will receive military honors and be buried at the Tavares Cemetery following his service. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may honor his memory with a donation to the North Lake Fellowship of Christian Athletes, PO Box 895415 Leesburg, FL 34789.
