Col James O'Connell

COL James L. O’Connell, USA (Ret.), 84, of Colonial Heights, passed away on Saturday, July 10, 2021.  Born in Sanford, North Carolina on January 25, 1937, James was the son of the late Robert L. and Elma Kelly O’Connell.

He was born and raised in Sanford, graduated from college in Raleigh, North Carolina and joined the Army as a 2 ^nd Lieutenant. He proudly served his country for 30 years and retired as a Colonel. He then continued to work for the Government as a Civil Servant.  After his retirement, he volunteered whenever he could, and was active in the Colonial Heights Kiwanis Club. Jim enjoyed his life - he will be missed forever.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Lucia.

A military funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, July 19, 2021, in the Virginia Veterans Cemetery at Amelia, 10300 Pridesville Road, Amelia Court House, Virginia 23002.  Arrangements by the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes & Crematory, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834.  Condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com .