James Ward Connell was born on August 27th, 1967 in East Grand Rapids, Michigan. At the age of 53 James passed away after a long and hard fight battling complications that arose while being hospitalized for 62 days with his second major heart procedure. James battled cancer by the age of 11 and was treated with full radiation, which later caused his heart failure, amongst many other health conditions.

James was raised by his Mother, Carole Connell, a dedicated and loving single mother. James was 8 years older when his sister Heather was born. James was not only a sibling to Heather but a dedicated father figure and best friend. James went the extra mile with his sister and did everything from caring for her to coaching her softball team.

James Graduated Cum Laude from Aquinas College in 1995 where he obtained his Bachelor of International Business while maintaining continuous employment and a self financed college career.

James has dedicated over 25 years as an event professional. A few of James' proudest work accomplishments include his roles with Michigan International Speedway and the West Michigan Grand Prix. As Director of Operations for the West Michigan Grand Prix, James planned and executed nationally televised Grand Prix events; the largest spectator events in the history of West Michigan. James was also involved with the Minneapolis and Long Beach Grand Prix, the Barrett Jackson and the Kruse Premier Auto Auctions.

After his sister Heather and family moved to the Houston area, James followed. James joined the Freeman Company as a Project Manager in the Audio Visual Events Industry in Corporate Events. James remained an employee as they changed companies throughout the years, to Encore, to PSAV and again back to Encore. James' last position that he held was for Encore as the Director of Operations for Moody Gardens. James has a very large professional network in the industry but he also made lifelong friends that became family everywhere that he worked.

James met the love of his life, Angie & her children in 2009 while still residing in Michigan. In 2010 the family all moved 1,100 miles to Cypress, Texas and made a home. James and Angie welcomed Cash, their first child together in 2012, married in 2013 and then had their daughter Presley James in 2014. James loved being a father and cherished family. James always had a smile that touched your soul but his daddy smiles were so beautiful & genuine that they will forever be imprinted in our hearts. James was a very proud husband and daddy.

"Our time together may have been short but James' love for us has made us who we are today and who we will be in our tomorrows. James truly lived life to the fullest by life's simple pleasures and embraced them. As his wife I have some pretty big shoes to fill but living my life as Mrs. Connell has changed and prepared me for this next journey. Thank you for loving us so big." Love, Mrs. Connell

James' hobbies & special interests were racing, go karting, camping, hiking, traveling, twisty roads, music, nature, family and making people smile.

Survived by his Wife Angie Connell, Son Cash Connell, Daughter Presley Connell, Stepchildren Devin Aguirre, Vanessa Gutierrez, Alex Gutierrez, Grandchildren Izzy Gutierrez and Heath Fancher, Mother Carole Connell, Father Jimmie Connell,
Sister Heather Williams, Brother in law Arthur Williams III (Tray) and Nieces and Nephew, Ariel Williams, Kiara Williams, Tamya Williams, Austin Williams, and Jersey Sandoval.  The family will receive friends Friday April 16, 2021 from 5;00 - 8:00 pm. at Klein Funeral Home, with services at 2:00 p.m. Saturday April 17, 2021 in the chapel of Klein Funeral Home Magnolia, 14711 F.M. 1488, Magnolia, Tx. 77354.  For those unable to attend the service will be livestreamed at https://youtu.be/8EFi8zPbpik.