James G. Connors

James G. Connors "Jim", of Kingston, former Director of Urban Renewal of the City of Kingston, died at home on Christmas Day, December 25, 2013.


Born to the late Joseph and Anna (nee Hickey) Connors on July 19, 1922, Jim was a graduate of Mechanicville High School. He was a World War II veteran who proudly served his country in the United States Navy from September 1943 to April 1946. Jim served on numerous ships mostly in the Pacific and received the American Theater Medal, Asiatic Medal and the Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Yeoman Second Class SV-6 USNR. In 1950, Jim earned a degree in Public Administration from Siena College and then continued in a Master's program at SUNY.


He married the late Marie DeChene Connors on December 27, 1947 and enjoyed twenty five years of marriage until her passing on August 30, 1973. Together they raised seven children, John J. Connors and his wife Dot, Richard J. Connors (Holly Enzor), Michael D. Connors and his wife Rose, Mary Anne Sannicandro and her husband Thomas, David B. Connors (Jeanette Gavis), Steven M. Connors and his wife Patti and Andrew J. Connors and his wife Anne. On October 12, 1996, Jim married the late Elizabeth Reidy who passed on September 16, 2010. He is also survived by his three step-children, Joan E. Reidy, Richard J. Reidy and his wife Larissa and Judy Flynn and her husband Larry. At the time of his death, Jim was proud to have fourteen grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, seven step-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. Along with all of his children, he is survived by a brother, John H. Connors of Mechanicville, and a sister, Ellen Brown of Saratoga Springs. Siblings Alice McMahon, Joan Guthinger, William Connors, Alma Reilly and Howard "Pete" Connors preceded him in death.


Jim was involved in politics from the time he was a young man. He ran unsuccessfully for State Senator of the 39th District in 1960 and then became the Saratoga County Democratic Chairperson in March 1961. For the next twenty one years, he remained active in the Democratic Party; for ten of those years he served as a committee member for the party. Politics was just one way in which Jim chose to be involved in his community. He was also honored to be a member of the Mechanicville/Stillwater Elks and the Knights of Columbus (where he served as Grand Knight for a period of time).


While his family was the most rewarding part of Jim's life, he also valued and dedicated his life to civil service. He was a clerk with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington, D.C.; Assistant Director of the Mechanicville Housing Authority; Deputy Controller of Accounts - Mechanicville, NY; Director of Urban Renewal - Mechanicville, NY 1962 - 1964; Director of Urban Renewal - Troy, NY 1964 - 1967; Director of Urban Renewal - Huntington Station, NY 1967-1969. In 1969 the late Mayor Frank Koenig brought Jim and his family to Kingston so that Jim could lead its Urban Renewal Project. As the project was winding down in the mid 1970's, Jim went into semi-retirement but remained a consultant to the local Office of Community Development.During his lifetime, Jim resided in New York, Florida and Ohio.The family is especially thankful for the care Jim received from his round the clock caregiver of the past two months, Robert Coffie and the care and support that his three local sons, David, Steven and Andrew gave him in the last years of his life.


Flowers are welcome; expressions of sympathy may be made in the form of contributions to the American Heart Association 301 Manchester Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601.


Friends will be received at the A. Carr and Son Funeral Home 65 Lucas Avenue Kingston on Thursday from 3 to 8 pm.


A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 12 noon Friday at All Saints on the Hudson Church (St. Paul's) in Mechanicville, NY.


Burial with military honors in the Gerald B.H. Soloman Saratoga National Cemetery.