Obituary of James Arthur Connolly

James Arthur Connolly James Arthur Connolly died of cancer on December 22, 2010, in his Olympia home. Jim was born on June 19, 1952, to James E. and Patricia Connolly in Oceanside, CA, while his father was in the Marine Corps; he was named for his two grandfathers. The family moved to Shelton, WA, in 1953, where he graduated from Shelton High School in 1970. He attended Gonzaga University, including a memorable year at Gonzaga-in-Florence, Italy. He completed graduate study at Willamette University, Salem, OR, with degrees in law and public administration. In 1976, Jim married Catherine Smith in Ephrata, WA. They have two children, Brianne Connolly and Caitlin Randles (Shaune). Jim and Cathy moved to Olympia, WA, in 1978, where he started as a law clerk and eventually became a partner in the firm now known as Connolly, Tacon, and Meserve. In 2010, he received the Daniel Bigelow Award (attorney of the year) from the Thurston County Bar Association. Jim was a devoted husband and father. He was a man of enthusiasms, including salmon fishing and shrimping on Hood Canal at the family summer cabin, St. Michael Catholic Church, the Mariners, Gonzaga basketball, Lewis and Clark, volleyball, poker, return trips to Italy, and telling long jokes. He served on the founding board of John Paul II Catholic High School, which opened this year, and the Olympia Heritage Commission (the Connolly family includes six generations in Olympia and Shelton, back to 1868). For several years, Jim was very involved as his law firm raised money for cancer research through the Relay for Life. Jim is survived by his wife, daughters and son-in-law, parents of Lacey, sisters Mary Beth (Charles) of Seattle and Anne (Mike) of Olympia, brother Michael (Neill) of Portland, numerous nieces and nephews, and wide extended family. The family wishes to thank Group Health and the hospice staff and volunteers. The family suggests donations to the James A. Connolly Memorial Fund, which supports John Paul II High School (P.O. Box 3248, Olympia, WA 98509). You may leave memories of James or condolences for the family by clicking on "View Guestbook" below.