Orlando, Florida - James W. Connolly, 88, formerly of Peru, N.Y., passed away peacefully at the Life Care Center in Orlando, Fla., on Nov. 20, 2025, after a long battle with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. He was born in Plattsburgh, N.Y., on June 25, 1937, the son of the late Walter and Dorothy Connolly. Jim attended a rural school in Morrisonville, N.Y., and the Peru Elementary and High School, graduating in the class of 1957. Following high school, he attended the State University of New York and Business College, both in Plattsburgh, N.Y.

Jim, Jimmie, "Senator," or "Irishman" as he was affectionately known by friends and family was a humble man with a generous heart. His journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. We ask that you remember him not for the way his life ended, but for the way it was lived, and the impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Jim worked as an insurance adjuster for General Adjustment Bureau, then as the Clinton County auditor for 17 years in Plattsburgh, N.Y. After a move to North Carolina in 1986, he obtained an associate degree in Risk Management and retired from the North Carolina League of Municipalities in 1992.

Prior to his illness, Jim enjoyed reading, watching movies, camping, traveling, skiing, swimming, sailing, playing the guitar and remodeling his boyhood home. He was a bit of a maverick in that he went sailing for the first time only by reading a book ... no lessons. At a young age, he thought he could parachute by jumping off a shed using an umbrella resulting in a fractured ankle. Jim was known for his smile, witty sense of humor, his love for his pets, and beautiful blue eyes. He always spoke of his dog "Happy" who followed him to and from school, his St. Bernard, "Samantha" and his beloved cat, "Inspector Cluso." While in memory care facilities in Florida, while still mobile, Jim would most often be found outdoors, sleeping in the sun. He was a member of St. Augustine's Church in Peru, N.Y., the Knights of Columbus, and the Elks Lodge in Keeseville, N.Y.

One of his most cherished times was being on the board of the Association for Retarded Children in Plattsburgh, N.Y.

He is survived by his wife of fifty years, Diana, whom he met and married in Montreal, Quebec. He is also survived by two daughters from his first marriage, Kathy (Terry) Brown, and Bonnie (Jay) Menard of Plattsburgh, N.Y., as well as six grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind a special cousin, Cassie McGee of Peru, N.Y. In addition to his parents, Jim was predeceased by his older brother Ernest (Fran) Rock, and younger sister Joan (Gerry) Grassi. His wife wishes a heartfelt thanks to all the medical staff, nurses, and caregivers that Jim received care from during his illness.

Arrangements are under the care of Banfield Funeral Home and Crematory, 420 W. State Road 434, Winter Springs, FL 32708 (407) 327-1500. Per Jim's request, there will be no calling hours or funeral service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Jim's name may be offered to Vitas Hospice at http://VITASCommunityConnection.org or the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org.