James Dennis O'Connell

James (Jim) D. O'Connell passed away peacefully at home with loved ones on July 12th.

He was a caring son, beloved brother & uncle, devoted father, grandfather & great grandfather.

Jim was proceeded in death by his mother Helen O'Connell, his father Joseph O'Connell his sister Katherine (Katie) Barton, sister-in-law Diane O'Connell, brothers-in-law Leo Barton & Mark Schenk.

He leaves behind a large loving family including his brother Joseph O'Connell, his sister Donna Schenk, his (ex) wife Jennifer (Sue) O'Connell, his son James O'Connell (Niki), his daughters Tammy (Mitch) Talenfeld and Shannon (Dave) O'Connell-Stevenson, his grandchildren Brandon (Daniela) O'Connell, Jeremy (Emily) Schaffner, Jordyn (Jake) Wishnask, Dominic, Kaden & Peyton O'Connell, Tyson & Riley Stevenson and his great grandchildren Liam, Quinn, Kinsley, Kollins, Hudson, Holden, Makenna, JC & Brynlee.

Jim was a decorated Marine who earned multiple medals while serving his country in Vietnam, including a Combat Action Ribbon and a Purple Heart. A welder by trade, he liked to work with his hands and kept himself busy with ongoing projects around his home. He enjoyed the solitude of nature which included walking and biking on the Katy Trail, but his happy place was at the lake (Timberline & Pinnacle). His younger days were spent at Lake Timberline with family where after a day at the beach he enjoyed hanging around the campfire, drinking a cold one and starring at the star filled sky. His later years were spent at Pinnacle Lake where he loved to fish and tinker around the lot.

He was a man of few words who lived life on his own terms. He was loved deeply and will be missed dearly,, may he rest in peace.

A committal service will be held at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in the near future.