MARQUETTE - James B. Connors, 74, of Marquette formerly of Iron Mountain, passed away on Tuesday, July 14, 2009, at Jacobetti Home For Veterans in Marquette.

He was born on May 16, 1935, in Matchwood, the son of the late John and Gladys (Egger) Connors. Jim was a graduate of Bergland High School. He went on to earn his bachelor's degree in social work at Northern Michigan University and later his master's degree in social work from Wayne State University. Jim served two years in Germany with the United States Army.

He married the former Rosalie Ruth Hawes in August of 1961, and she preceded him in death. In March of 1979, he married the former Peggy Marie Kolbas.

Jim was a devoted member of the community and began his long and interesting working career in Marquette as the social worker for the Cuban Refugee Program at the Holy Family Home Orphanage for the Marquette Catholic Diocese. In 1966, he served as the director of Catholic Social Services in Iron Mountain. He served as the Friend of the Court in Dickinson County for several years and as a social worker in the Dickinson-Iron Intermediate School District.

Jim worked as an insurance agent for McGregor Insurance and in 1985 was elected to serve his first of two terms as the state representative for the 108th District. In 1988, he became the district representative for the National Federation of Independent Businesses and also served several years as the district representative and aide to State Senator Don Koivisto.

Jim was a member of Pine Grove Country Club, the Air Force Association Board, Dickinson-Iron Mental Health Social Services, Catholic Social Services Board and the Dickinson County Republican Party chairman. Jim was also a past president of the Iron Mountain- Kingsford Kiwanis Club, the Golden K, Knights of Columbus and the St. Mary and St. Joseph Parish Council.

He enjoyed playing golf, hunting, cutting firewood at camp and enjoying his cottage with family and friends. Jim was also a history buff, enjoyed country music and was an avid Detroit Tigers, Lions and University of Michigan football fan.

He leaves his children, Wendy (Steve) Pelto of Marquette, Jackie (Brian) Mitchell of Alma, Mich., Jay Connors of Denver and Michael Connors of Indianapolis; two sisters, Margaret Barlock and Virginia (John) Huhtala, both of Bruce Crossing; five grandchildren, Trenton and Jordan Mitchell, Mallory Connors, Courtney and Meredith Pelto and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his first wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Patrick and Robert Connors and a brother-in-law, Ron Barlock.

Jim loved life and he truly valued his friendships. He will be dearly missed by his children, family and friends.

Visitation will be held on Sunday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held on Monday at 11 a.m. at St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iron Mountain. Father Daniel Moll will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial.

Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in McMillan Township.

Condolences may be expressed to the family of James Connors online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon and Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.