Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Connell, James T. 1916
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Sandy Heintzelman sheintz@iserv.net May 9, 2013, 3:15 pm

Belding Banner, 22 Nov 1916

Death Removes Respected Resident Called to Long Rest

The death of James T. Connell occurred at an early hour Thursday morning,
November 16, in Butterworth hospital, Grand Rapids, where he had been taken for
an operation and treatment several weeks ago, after returning here from Benton
Harbor, where he had been with his son, Frank Connell.

After the operation, which was performed by Dr. Richard Smith, every possible
care and attention was given him, but on account of his advanced age and
impaired health, his condition would not respond to medical skill and he passed
peacefully away.  The deceased was eighty-four years old, having lived beyond
the allotted “three score years and ten,” and his whole life had been such that
he was honored and respected by all who knew him.

Mr. Connell was born near Cork, Ireland and came to America when he was twelve
years old, being the youngest of four children, all of whom are now at rest.  At
Mt. Morris, New York, he married Miss Mary J. Clarkston and a few years later
they came to Michigan.  About thirty-eight years ago they moved from Greenville,
where he had been in the furniture and undertaking business to this city and
opened a business in the same line here, which he carried on for a long time. 
Twenty-one years ago his wife died and since then he has made his home with his
sons, Harry and Frank, being comfortably and carefully looked after in his
declining years.

Mr. Connell was a devoted member of the Congregational church and was elected a
deacon for life.  While in Benton Harbor he identified himself with that church
and was also elected a deacon there.

The funeral was held at the house Saturday, Rev. A. J. Blair officiated, and
Mrs. Kate Ferguson of Grand Rapids sang, “Abide With Me,” and “Thy Will Be
Done.”  A profusion of beautiful flowers covered the casket.  The burial was
made in the family lot by the side of Mrs. Connell’s grave.

Two sons and a daughter – Harry J. and Frank Connell and Miss Bessie Connell
survive him.  At the service Rev. Blair read the following which shows the high
esteem in which he was held:

The First Congregational Church Benton Harbor, Michigan, to the First
Congregational Church of Belding, Michigan.  Greeting:  

Dear friends:  I have been requested by the members of this church to convey to
you the love and affection they felt for the fellow-member Mr. J.T. Connell.

We felt honored in having Mr. Connell as a deacon of this church.  His presence
was always a benediction and we believe he was truly one of God’s saints.

We rejoice as never before in that wonderful communion of saints and feel that
our hearts are still bound together by ties of Christian love.

We shall greatly miss Mr. Connell, but we know that our loss is heaven’s gain.

Wishing you grace, mercy and peace, I am 

Most sincerely yours,
A.C. Diefenbach
Pastor Congregational Church 
Benton Harbor, Michigan
Nov. 16, 1916


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