James O. McConnell

Lt. Col. James O. McConnell, 80, of Vilonia, born August 9, 1932 in Nashville, Arkansas to parents, Otis and Mable McConnell of Nashville, passed away on Tuesday, November 13, 2012. James grew up in Nashville, Arkansas and attended school up to high school. He graduated from Henderson State University, and received his Master's degree from UALR. His military career spanned over a 20 year period; it started very early after college. His first tour of duty was for two years in Germany, and then he had two tours in Vietnam. He is a decorated Vietnam Veteran with two Bronze Stars, one for valor and one for meritorious service; a Purple Heart; a Armed Forces Expedition Forces Medal; four overseas bars (combat zone), a Vietnam Service Medal with six campaigns, a Combat Infantrymen's Badge, plus many other awards. After retiring from the Army, James worked for Carti for 16 years. In his later years, he enjoyed a monthly group call The Good Ole Boys, which was made up of childhood and long-time friends, which meant the world to him. Once he finally retired, he spent the rest of his life enjoying his family and time with the love of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, Otis and Mable McConnell; his sister, Jean Walker, and his brother, Richard McConnell. James is survived by his wife of 57 years, Wanda J. McConnell; his daughter, Cindy McDoniel of Batesville, Arkansas; and his son, Jimmy McConnell of North Little Rock, Arkansas. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Kristin Owen and Brittany Aderholt of Batesville, Arkansas, and Logan McConnell and Landon McConnell of North Little Rock, Arkansas; his great-grandson, Peyton Owen of Batesville, Arkansas; three nephews, Bill Walker, David Walker, and Rick McConnell; and his son and daughter-in-law, George McDoniel and Melinda McConnell. Memorial Service will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 17, 2012, at Nashville Cemetery in Nashville, Arkansas. To sign his guestbook, please visit www.arkansasfuneralcare.com. Arrangements made by Arkansas Funeral Care, Jacksonville.