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James O'Connell Obituary

O'Connell, James M. age 60, of Dunedin, FL and Chicago, passed away peacefully in Dunedin, FL, beloved husband of Maureen (nee Kelly), loving father of James (Theresa) and Colleen O'Connell, cherished grandfather of Bailey, Madison, and James, dear son of the late James and Marion (nee McKeon), best friend and brother of Jayne (the late William) Dickinson, Edmund (Sharon), Donna (Roger) Verbeeren, Patricia (Michael), Stacy-Sulima, and Eileen (John) Morris, devoted nephew of Eileen (Boyce) and best uncle of many nieces and nephews, dearest son-in-law of Bridie (the late Thomas) Kelly, brother-in-law of Michael (Calann), Thomas (Pam), and John Kelly. Retired City of Chicago Plumbing Inspector in Charge, (past officer of Local 130); Retired Merrionette Park Police Officer. Past officer of Alsip Police Department and Grand Beach Michigan Police Department; Past first Vice President of the Emerald Society of Illinois founding member of the National Emerald Society, Bagpiper in the Emerald Society Chicago Police Bagpipes and Drums, first lone midnight piper at the National Police Memorial in Washington, DC member of Paulist Choir and the Fraternal Order of Police. Member of the Clearwater and Dunedin Yacht Clubs. Worked three tours in Iraq with KBR Erecting Military Ground Support serving the personel between 2005 and 2008. Memorial Visitation Thursday, 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. Funeral Friday, 9:15 a.m. from the Andrew J. McGann and Son Funeral Home, 10727 S. Pulaski Rd., to St. Bede the Venerable Church, for Mass at 10:00 a.m. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, donations made to The National Law Enforcement Museum (www.nleofm.org) and Hope for the Warriors (www.hopeforthewarriors.org) would be appreciated. 773-783-7700 or 708-423-5400

Published by Chicago Sun-Times from Jan. 26 to Jan. 27, 2010.
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Memories and Condolences
for James O'Connell

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As I sit here in Baghdad, Iraq I remember meeting Jimmy O at Al Asad in the Anbar Province for the first time in 2005. Oh the stories we could tell! He was always good for a laugh, a joke, a smile, a good tale, and most of all would help any and all the young military men and women without a second thought. I can't think of Jimmy without smiling to myself and remembering him playing his pipes. I will miss him. My prayers to his wife and family. Semper Fi old friend.

Joe Palmer

February 15, 2010

Maureen,
I just heard about Jim and would just like to say how sorry I am. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May he rest in peace.

Fiona Rafter Kerley

February 9, 2010

To Kelly and family and friends. So sorry to hear of the unexpected death of Jimmy. We only met him a couple of times on our annual St Patricks Day visits and remember the great piper he was . Ar dheis De go raibh a h-anam dhilis. Our thoughts and prayers will be with all of you at this time Slan go foill. Garda Mike Brennan, Garda Supt Ken Brennan, An Garda Siochana, Dublin, Ireland

mike brennan

February 3, 2010

Maureen, We were so sorry to hear that Jim had pased away.I will always remember the holiday I had with both of you in 1999. We had some great nights out in Chicago and in Co.MAYO Ireland. All the Maloney Family, Cornboy, send their condolences.RIP.

MARY MAOLNEY

February 2, 2010

"God bless the "Midnight Piper" and his family. He was our brother, friend, and mentior. Now the pipes will play for our hero, as he is welcome home with the Lord. Deputy Jerry Robinson; Virginia Beach, VA.

jerry robinson

January 31, 2010

Farwell My Brother, May your entry into heaven be met by all the pipers that have gone before You. God seems to pick all the best to take early from this earth.Lt. Patrick J. Cogan Retired BCSO Penna

January 31, 2010

God Bless the Midnight Piper and our condolences to the O'Connell family.

Ben K. Perry F.O.P. Lodge #61, Gary, Indiana

January 30, 2010

Maureen, I knew your dear husband since the early 70's when my sister, Patti, became friends with Jayne. Later in life I was aware of Jimmy through his work with the Emerald Society and Pattie Clarke. I am truly sorry for your loss. May you and your children find comfort in your memories. Jimmy finished God's work here on earth and now rests with his parents. He will be forever watching over you.

joan vestal\coyne

January 29, 2010

God Bless Jim O'Connell the Midnight Piper and our condolences to the O'Connell family.

City of Pittsburgh
Bureau of Police

January 29, 2010

Jimmy, you led a full life, and you remind us to reach out and help our neighbors. My prayers and condolences for all the people you loved and helped.
S. Mary Catherine McDonagh, RSM

January 28, 2010

I would like to offer my condolences to the O'Connell family on the loss of Jimmy. He gave of himself for our Fallen Brothers and Sisters and he will always be remembered by those of us who witnessed his tribute.

God Bless!

P/O Phil Bowdren (retired)
Philadelphia Police Department

January 28, 2010

My condolences to the O'Connell family. I've known Jim through my father since I was 10 as he was a apprentice plumber working with my father. I'd sit at the table and listen to the stories over beers of course...so many stories, never a dull moment and so many laugh's. We always stayed in touch through the years and he was always there for my family. He will be missed like a brother and will have always be in mind. As most know, Jim had a heart of gold and I know he is having the grandest time right now with all his friends up above and is smiling down thinking how he would love to make us all bust a gut one more time! Jim is one of those people in life that will never be forgotten. I will miss him... as he was a brother in ways only we knew, but I'm sure most understand. James O'Connell... I'll remember him always.... what a nut.... but what a guy, and true friend! We'll miss ya brother! Unity!!!

Tom Durkin

January 28, 2010

God Bless the Midnight Piper and my condolences to the O'Connell family.

~USMS Pipes and Drums

January 28, 2010

My sincere condolences to you and your family. I had the great honor of hearing Jim play his bagpipes on a very lonely midnight evening, when I had made a trip to Washington DC to pay my respects to 7 fellow law enforcement officers( all very close to my heart). The sound of his bagpipe was the most comforting sound I have ever heard in my life, and will treasure it always. God bless Jim and all those who 's names on the wall he so beautifully remembered. We will never forget. God bless you and your family .
Regina Anne Poerio Los Altos California

January 28, 2010

My sincere condolences to you and your family. I had the great honor of hearing Jim play his bagpipes on a very lonely midnight evening, when I had made a trip to Washington DC to pay my respects to 7 fellow law enforcement officers( all very close to my heart). The sound of his bagpipe was the most comforting sound I have ever heard in my life, and will treasure it always. God bless Jim and all those who 's names on the wall he so beautifully remembered. We will never forget. God bless you and your family .
Regina Anne Poerio Los Altos California

Regina Anne Poerio

January 28, 2010

My condolences to the O'Connell families and his brothers in blue. He started a tradition at the "Wall" that all of his hold dear, although another now plays I know we'll hear his pipes too. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful man.

Barbara Heckman-Sauer

January 28, 2010

God bless this man for a loving and cherished tradition. You will not be forgotten......... Chief Seth E. Turner (Ret), Executive Director, Nat'l.
Peace Offices and Firefighters Assn, Rolla, Missouri

January 28, 2010

The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.

Wilson Sun

January 28, 2010

My condolences to the O'Connell families, Jim was a great and loyal friend, working hard and playing harder, we always had a smile and time for another beer, I will miss him...
Jim Finn

January 28, 2010

Maureen Alex and I are best friends with
Donna and I always looked forward to the visits with Jim He was so funny and full of life. He will be missed by all that knew him. Barbara Ziady(Schererville,IN)

Barb Ziady

January 28, 2010

Jim O'Connell was responsible for the wonderful tradition of the "Midnight Piper" -- a lone bagpiper who emerges at midnight each night during National Police Week in May to play in honor of the fallen law enforcement heroes remembered at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC. Thank you, Jim, for starting this special tribute -- one that will live on this May in your honor. Friends can learn more about the "Midnight Piper" on our website: www.LawMemorial.org.

NLEOMF

January 28, 2010

To All The O'Connell Family

I cannot find the words to truly express how much I will miss Jimmy, as you know, he was my other brother, and my best friend.
I enjoyed some of the happiest times in my life because I was lucky enough to have met Jimmy in third grade and become his friend.
Jimmy will live on in my heart forever.
God Bless you All and Jimmy and keep you in the palm of His hand.
Safe Home My Brother. I Love You.

Patty Clarke

January 27, 2010

My sincere condolences to the O'Connell fanily.
I have a lot of great memories of Jimmy while on and off duty at Merrionette Park.
Our first Emerald Society meeting at the old St.Judes hall when we were both helping each other down the steep stairs without getting killed
Working togther security together at Gaelic Park on the Memorial Day weekends
One of the first nights I worked with Jimmy at Merrionette Park we had an agg. assualt, another call with a juvenile chopping his garage door down with a fire ax in an attempt to kill his father, an incident with a train a dog and a body at 119th st, a very bloody domestic all in one shift.
At the end of our tour he said it was a lot of fun.
Then the barricaded armed subjects in a trailer in which Jimmy shouted to the offenders "throw the guns out or use them".
Our first homicide investigation together when he said "murders today stray dogs tommorow".
The parties at Jimmy's home, when little Jimmy and Colleen brought their friends home from school on St. Patricks day, I was sworn to secrecy lest Jimmy threatened to shoot me with any thing he could find, I had up to that point never laughed so hard inmy life.
I was invited to many paties at Jimmy's home which all ended with a good laugh or perhaps a little skirmish and a good laugh and a lifetime of memories and stories for me and all who knew him, but no one could tell the stories as good as Jimmy, he was a true and proud Irishman
As it's said, Jimmy was one of a kind and he has left me and those who knew him with a life time of memories.
God bless you Jimmy and your family, you will always be in my prayers.

Tom Collins

January 27, 2010

My sincerest condolences - a very nice guy

John J Flood
Cook County Police Department (RET)

John J Flood

January 27, 2010

Maureen, Jayne and all the O'Connell Family:

I am so sorry to hear of the death of Jimmy, "Okie" as he was called in the Paulist Choir. Jimmy and I spent a lot of happy (and mischievous?) times together as boy sopranos, especially up in choir camp.

We choirboys always enjoyed Jim's unique ability to tell long taaalllll stories. That is why when a brother chorister recently told me Jim had been in Iraq, I immediately thought it was another "legend".

As it turns out, Jimmy not only had been in Iraq but he had become a genuine legend in his own right by the way he lived his life. His obituary reads like that of a true hero. The world is a much better place because "Okie" had been among us. Father O'Malley must be proud!

Rest in peace my brother!

Michael Karnoski

January 27, 2010

TO KELLY AND ALL OF JIM'S FAMILY MEMBERS, PLEASE KNOW THAT NO WORDS OF EXPRESSION CAN REPLACE THE LOSS OF "JIMMY". ONE YEAR "JIMMY" HAD ARRANGED FOR ME TO "LAY THE WREATH" AT THE NATIONAL POLICE MEMORIAL IN WASHINGTON D.C., AN HONOR THAT WAS BESTOWED UPON ME WHICH IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE GREATEST OF MY LIFE TIME,IF NOT THE GREATEST. "JIMMY HAD ALSO INTRODUCED ME TO THE "EMERALD SOCIETY OF ILLINOIS" WHICH IS THE GREATEST FRATERNAL ORGANIZATION IN THE WORLD OF WHICH I CAN NOW SAY I AM THE 2ND VICE-PRESIDENT. I WILL ENDEVOUR TO CARRY ON ALL THAT "JIMMY HAS TAUGHT ME", ESPECIALLY TO BE LOYAL TO YOUR FRIENDS, COMRADES AND MOST OF ALL THE "EMERALD SOCIETY!". I WILL MISS HIM DEARLY AND WILL SAY A PRAYER FOR HIM EVERYDAY FOR AS LONG AS I LIVE. THANKS FOR BEING MY FRIEND "JIMMY" AND MAY "GOD BLESS YOU"

KEVIN MYRON

January 27, 2010

I am at a loss in hearing of the passing of Jim. We had many good times together. I will never forget his smile and his laughter. He was a great friend. If it were not for Jim, I would of never met my wife. He was the one person who introduced me to the love of my life. Our heart felt condolences go out to his family, and we will keep Jimmy in our prayers.

Bill & Barbara Vest
Elmwood Park, Illinois

January 27, 2010

May Jim now rest in peace and not have to preform the honorable toil any longer. Jim was always a true gentleman and a pleasure to work with at the Chicago Water Department.

Joseph W. Sowa Sr.

January 26, 2010

I am truly sorry to hear that jim has passed on. My sincere condolences to his family. I will remember him and his family in my prayers at this difficult time.

Tom Toolis

January 26, 2010

Dear O'Connell Family, I am so sorry for your lost. I will keep you in my prayers.
Judith Altiere

January 26, 2010

My sincerest condolences to the O'Connell family. May God keep you and bring you comfort in your time of grief.

Ernest Alvarado

January 26, 2010

We did we have fun in our jobs, projects and with the many friends we shared. Memories of working with you and the fun we had will always be cherished. You were one of a kind and will be missed forever.

Diane and Rob Olszowka

January 26, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Richard Wilson

January 26, 2010

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