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It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James Robert McConnell on February 25, 2026, at the age of 87.
Born in Trout Creek, Ontario, to Ernest and Rosann McConnell, Jim grew up surrounded by a large and lively family, one of sixteen children. He was predeceased by his parents, his thirteen brothers and sisters, his wives Mary Marguerite (nee Jeffery), May (nee Kennedy), and Arlene (nee Bradley), and his son-in-law George Karchewski. He is lovingly remembered by his daughters, Cheryl Karchewski and Deborah Chiarella (née McConnell) and her husband Terry. He is also survived by his sisters Margaret and Ethel. Jim was a proud grandfather to Brandon (Anna), Kassandra (Jeremy), Sascha (Craig), Max (Sam), Madeline (Duy), and Olivia. His greatest joy in later years was being a great-grandfather to Bishop, Chloe, and Sage. They brought light and laughter into his life, and he treasured every moment with them. Jim built a long and steady career as an Ontario Land Surveyor with the Department of Highways and later as a Survey Technician with Ontario Hydro. His work helped shape the province he called home, and he took pride in doing it well. In his younger years, he enjoyed golfing and curling, but he was perhaps best known for his love of cards. An avid and skilled cribbage player, Jim spent countless hours at the card table, forming lasting friendships and earning a reputation as someone you didn’t underestimate in a game. He will be deeply missed by his friends in his Sarnia card circle. Jim lived a full life and was loved by all that came to know him well. His legacy lives on in his daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and in the many stories that will continue to be shared around card tables and family gatherings for years to come.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Family and friends will be received at Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia, on Monday, March 2, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at St. Benedicts Catholic Church (1011 Oak Ave, Sarnia) at 1:00 p.m. A Graveside service will take place at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Langton, ON on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Sympathy may be expressed through donations to the Canadian Cancer Society (cheques only at the funeral home please).
