James Leroy Connell, age 91, of Eldon, passed away on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at Heisinger Bluffs Living Community in Jefferson City. He was born in Eugene on June 4, 1935, son of the late James Tolbert and Nina Marie (Dawson) Connell. On July 27, 1968, James was united in marriage to Winona Joyce Ahart, who preceded him in death on April 17, 2026.

James retired at the age of 57 after 29 years as general manager of Gerbes Supermarket in Eldon. In retirement, he earned his pilot’s license and purchased a Cessna airplane, finding great joy in flying. He also treasured time spent with his family, whether hunting quail with his grandson and his bird dogs or swimming, skiing, and boating together on the Lake of the Ozarks.

A faithful member of Eldon First Baptist Church, James shared his faith by teaching Sunday School. One of his cherished traditions was Molasses Day, when he made molasses from the sugar cane he grew on his farm and warmly invited his Sunday School class to join him.

James took great pride in life on the farm, where he raised Santa Gertrudis cattle, collected antique tractors, baled hay, and enjoyed peaceful rides on his Kubota. He later shared his hardworking spirit with his son Chris through their business, J&C Used Equipment Sales. Above all, James will be deeply missed by his family, who will forever cherish the love, laughter, and many treasured memories they shared with him through the years.

He is survived by his beloved five children, Chris Connell (Judy) of Eldon, Lisa Hamner of Fort Mill, SC, Dana Connell of Lake Ozark, Kent Connell of St. Louis, and Jason Connell of Galesburg, IL; lovingly referred as “Papa” to his nine grandchildren, Heather Huddleston (Dave), Heath Connell, Shannon Connell, Amy Mahan, Jordan Mahan, Erin Benton (Mitch), Julie Kirby (Quenton), Joe Hamner, Emma Connell, and Zadie Connell; 13 great-grandchildren, Laura Patterson (Benton), David Huddleston, Madison Connell, Brady Connell (Destiny), Troy Connell, Reagan Connell, Owen Mahan, Liam Mahan, Presley Mahan, Jude Mayorga, Mateo Mayorga, Caiden Castle, and Harper Kirby; three great-great-grandchildren, Carson Patterson, Kendall Patterson, and Colter Connell; six brothers, Kenneth (Robin) Connell of Cameron, Edward (Judy) Connell of Washington, Roger (Karen) Connell of Jefferson City, Gary (Kunuston) Connell of Lohman, and Victor (Jessica) Connell of Eugene; two sisters, Betty Merli of Osage Beach and Wanda Hartsock of Belleville, KS,; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

In addition to his parents, James and Nina Connell, and his loving wife, Winona Joyce Connell, he was also preceded in death by his brother, Curtis Connell.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 16, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m., at the Eldon Community Center. A graveside service will follow at 3:30 p.m. at Enloe Cemetery, 55130 Rt. C, Russellville, Missouri, 65074.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Enloe Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Iberia.