James W. Connelly (Jim)
March 27, 1937 - July 15, 2015
James W. "Jim" Connelly passed away at his home on July 15, 2015. Jim was born to Jim and Ora Connelly on March 27, 1937 in Iowa.
He moved to Anderson as a child and lived there until his passing. He received his education through the local schools and Great Commission School.
He was a professional musician who specialized in playing the Hawaiian and pedal steel, and he was an accomplished lead guitar player. He performed with numerous celebrity musicians throughout his career including, Elvis Presley, Loretta Lynn, Rick Nelson, Buck Owens, Dale Reeves, Tom T. Hall, Emmylou Harris and Conway Twitty. He also performed with several local musical groups including, Cops and Robbers, Nuthin' Fancy, Country Reactions, and the Jesse Rhodes Band.
In Jim's early years, he performed on a variety show at WTTV Channel 4 in Bloomington with Kenny and Lulu Bell Si. His entire working career of over fifty years was spent at Music Today, formally Anderson Music Center/Joe's Record Shop. He taught guitar lessons and sold and repaired musical instruments.
Jim was well know for his incredible sense of humor, never-ending stories, and he always had a joke to tell. He was seldom seen without his pipe.
He is survived by his children, Elizabeth (Thomas) Rayford of Anderson, James Lee Connelly of Pittsboro, Pamela (Tim) Stires of Anderson; Stephen Connelly of Tucson, AZ, Robert Connelly of Anderson, Patrick (Tammy) Connelly of Muncie, Charles Connelly of Columbus and Amber (Steve) Sturgeon of Hope; his brother, Henry Connelly of Anderson; sixteen grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter and his beloved canine companion, Gracie.
His parents, his wife, Lillian in 2010, two sisters, three granddaughters and one great granddaughter preceded Jim in death.
A memorial contribution to the Animal Care and Control of Anderson, IN is suggested.
A special thank you to Tara and Candie.
Services will be 10 a.m. on Tuesday at Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service. Burial will follow at Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery.
Visitation will be Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com.