James O'Connor

James Donald O’Connor passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 6 at the age of 90. He was born on November 4, 1927 to James E. and Mary Elizabeth (Sadie) O’Connor of Springdale, Pennsylvania. At the age of 17, Jim joined the Navy and was deployed to Saipan toward the end of World War II. After an honorable discharge, Jim attended and graduated with a degree in Business from Dusquene University in Pittsburgh and completed post-graduate work at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. After his retirement from The Ohio State University he dedicated his time to supporting the Pregnancy Decision Health Center. He had a wonderful tenor voice and was active in multiple groups including the choirs at St. Brendan Church (North Olmsted) and St. Andrew Church in Upper Arlington and Vaudvillities. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor, strong Roman Catholic faith, working in his garden and singing German songs to his grandchildren. His family was of utmost importance and brought him much happiness. His parents and sister, Doris Faybik preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, the love of his life, Marie; their children Mary Beth (Bill) Hatfield, Maureen (David) Critser, Jim (Becky) O’Connor, Ellen (Neil) Newman; grandchildren Steve (Jamie) Spittle, John (Alysa) Spittle, Alex and Amanda (fiancée Jack Worth) Critser, and Adam, Colin and Annie O’Connor; five great-grandchildren and beloved nieces and nephews. Visitation with family will be on Thursday, October 18 from 5-7pm at The Tidd Funeral Home, 5265 Norwich Street, Hilliard, Ohio. A mass celebrating Jim’s life will take place on Friday, October 19 at 10:00am at St. Brigid of Kildare Church, 7179 Avery Road, Dublin, Ohio. A private service at Dayton National Cemetery will occur at a later time. Special thanks to the caregivers of Dublin Assisted Living and Memory Support who showed love and kindness to Jim and Marie. Thanks to Vitas Hospice for their support in the last days of his life. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to the Pregnancy Decision Health Center in Columbus.