James W. 'Jim' O'Connor

A Funeral Service willbe held Monday, October 10, 2011, at 2PM at Mueller Funeral Home, Cedarburg, for James W. “Jim” O’Connor, of Cedarburg, who died on October 7, 2011, at the age of 82 years. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Monday from 12NOON until time of service. Interment Immanuel Cemetery. Rev. Jay McDivitt of Grace Lutheran Church, Thiensville officiated. Memorials to Grace Lutheran Church, Thiensville appreciated. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.muellerfuneralhome.com Jim was born in Milwaukee on April 9, 1929, to William J. and Emma (nee Mathiesen) O’Connor. In high school he played trombone in the band and was first chair second violin in the All Suburban Orchestra. Jim and his mother used to play duets. He met his future bride, Ruth Gesell, during their college years in Milwaukee. Jim served his country in the Air Force for four years during the early 1950s where he was a cost analyst. He was stationed in London for three of those years. Jim’s last rank was Master Sargent. While in London, he and Ruth Gesell were married on August 19, 1952, with a base chaplain doing the honors. Jim loved fishing, especially for muskies which he never was able to catch. He tied his own flys, enjoyed bait casting and spin casting. Jim’s favorite places to fish were the inland lakes and McKinley Marina. He also enjoyed golfing which he and Ruth played a lot. Jim is survived by his children Sheila O’Connor Contresceri, Scott O’Connor, Sally (John) Kelm and Sara O’Connor Penkwitz; grandchildren Rebecca (Austin), Jason, Andrea, Brittany, Heather, Danielle, Sara, Zachary and Mikayla; great-grandchildren Landon, Kaiden, Devin, Bryce, Melanie, Breona, Cassidy, Huntyr and Emily; sisters-in-law Phyllis Kirchner, Nancy (Bill) Spaltholz and Sandy Gunderson; other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Ruth. The family wishes to extend their deep thanks to the staffs of both VITAS Hospice and Lasata Crossings. Memorials to Grace Lutheran Church, Thiensville appreciated.