Obituary of James F. Connolly

It is with great sadness the family of James F. (Jim) Connolly, husband to Pamela (Godin) Connolly announces his death surrounded by family on January 15, 2017 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Jim has been a staple at Riverside Country Club in Rothesay for nearly 60 years. He began his career as an employee of the golf shop in 1959. As his passion for the game grew, so too did his love of Riverside and the members and guests who came to play the course. Jim was intent on learning all he could about golf, including the mechanics of how to teach the game. This dedication earned Jim the position of Assistant Golf Pro at Riverside in 1968, then on to becoming Head Professional in 1978 until his recent retirement in 2015. His commitment to the sport was evident to anyone who had the pleasure of learning from him. He took his passion a step further and began working with the Atlantic PGA serving as its President in 1983-84. His list of impressive accomplishments continued to build and included: President of the PGA of Canada in 1995-96; Captain of Canada’s World Cup Team in 1996; received the Royal Canadian Golf Association’s Outstanding Achievement Award in 1996; and was awarded Club Professional of the Year in 1997 by the PGA of Canada. Jim’s commitment to the golfing community at Riverside has been the hallmark of his career. Jim is survived by his loving and devoted wife Pamela who were a team for almost 44 years. He is also survived by his sons Greg (Katherine) and Don (Tracey) as well as his precious grandchildren Tylor, Julia, Kenzie and Cas and by his sisters Agnes Richardson , Mary Hansen (Les) of Caledonia, Ontario and brothers Don (Ann), Gerry (Sue) and his sister-in-laws; Rolande Connolly and Debbie Mihichuk (John), as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Mary and Bert Connolly as well as his brother John. Jim's family would like to recognize the exceptional efforts of his prime oncologist, Dr. Margot Burnell for being there for him during the 29 years that Jim battled his cancer as well as Dr. Doug Keeling, and Dr. Rob Hayes and all of the nursing and support staff on the oncology unit 5AS and chemo room staff, Saint John Regional Hospital. We also recognize the wonderful care provided by the KV Extra Mural staff. The family requests that remembrances in Jim's name be made to the Jim Connolly Bursary Fund through the Saint John Community Foundation, the Canadian Cancer Society or the charity of the donors choice. Visitation will take place at Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home,152 Pettingill Rd, Quispamsis (849-2119) on Thursday from 2:00 pm to 8:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 31 Gondola Point Road, Rothesay, NB on Friday, January 20, 2017 at 11:00 AM. Interment to take place at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cemetery.