James Loyd McConnell was born November 21, 1930 to Lester and Virgie Ann (Catlett) McConnell. After attending high school James served in the United States Army. He married the former Louise Leonabeth (Twist) on August 11, 1951. They shared a loving marriage until her death in 2020.

James had a career in the aerospace industry before his retirement. He was a pattern maker for tools and served as a student instructor for Rockwell, Douglas and later Boeing.

James was a family man who will always be remembered as the best dad ever by his children and grandchildren. They have wonderful memories of James taking them to the lake to teach them how to fish. He enjoyed both hunting and fishing.

James departed this life surrounded by family on Monday, May 22, 2023, at the age of 92 years. He was preceded in death by wife, Louise McConnell; his parents, Lester and Virgie McConnell; his eldest daughter, Sherry Brewer; a sister, Gladys Rider; and a brother, Doyle McConnell.

James' legacy of "Dad to everyone" will be cherished by his survivors, children, Paula Stice, Angela Reed, Alexandria McConnell, John Andrew McConnell, Nicole Brown, and Bradley McConnell; grandchildren, Becky Edwards, Sandra Mahan, Nick McConnell, Mandy Wilson, Billy Reed, Christy Battenfield, and Clint Koons; many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

A funeral service celebrating James' life will be held on Friday, May 26, 2023 at 1 p.m. in the Chapel at Mallett Funeral Home and Crematory in Wagoner, Oklahoma. Pallbearers will be Gunner Casey, Gavin Mahan, Kyler Hibbs, Alex Edwards, Nick McConnell, and Dalton Schaefer.

Visitation will be on Thursday, May 25 from 5 to 7 p.m.