Deacon James Edward Conner, 84, of Mechanicsville, Maryland passed away on September 2, 2013 at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home where he had been a resident since November 2012.

He was born on February 27, 1929 in Washington, DC, son of the late William Alfred Conner and the late Lillie Mae Owens.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in Japan at the close of World War II. He was a member of the Fourth Degree, Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Deacon Conner was ordained a deacon by Archbishop Hickey in 1985 at St. Mathews Cathedral, Washington, DC. He served as deacon at St. Mary's Star of the Sea, Indian Head, MD, and also at St. Frances de Sales Church in Salisbury, MD. Deacon Conner spent his last year as deacon at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Mechanicsville, MD. He was always willing to help anyone in need.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce Marie (nee Selkirk). They had just celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary in May. He is also survived by one devoted sister, Ruby Tolbert; three brothers, William, Joseph and Ronald; nine nieces; and eight nephews.

Family will receive friends for Deacon Conner's Visitation on Wednesday, September 4, 2013 from 5:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 28297 Old Village Road, Mechanicsville, MD 20659. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, September 5, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Interment will follow to Queen of Peace Cemetery, 38888 Dr. Johnson Road, Mechanicsville, MD 20659. All arrangements are being handled by Brinsfield-Echols Funeral Home, P.A., 30195 Three Notch Road, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622.

Pallbearers will be his nephews: Ellis Eugene Tolbert, William Tolbert, Robert Selkirk, William Selkirk, Ronald McMullen and Joseph E. Conner, Jr.

In Lieu of Flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to: Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, 29449 Charlotte Hall Road, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622; St. Vincent DePaul Society, 8910 Sum Place, Charlotte Hall, MD 20622, or the Mechanicsville Volunteer Rescue Squad, P. O. Box 15, Mechanicsville, MD 20659.