James D. Conner's Obituary
James “Jim” Day Conner, age 79, passed away Sunday, January 7, 2024 in Fennville, MI. He was born December 7, 1944, in Bethel, OH, to Walter and Lavena (Day) Conner. Jim’s early career was as an ordained minister in the Church of the Nazarene. He pastored churches in Ohio, New Jersey, and Michigan. In 1985, Jim met Diane Pierson and they married on March 1, 1986. Jim and Diane opened the James Conner Gallery in Grand Blanc, MI in 1997, and later opened a second location in Saugatuck, MI. Jim always loved the Lord and started a nondenominational church, Place of Grace, conducting services at his Grand Blanc gallery. He also hosted a daily radio show, American Faith Broadcast, for many years on WSNL 600. During his time in Grand Blanc, he was passionate about supporting local businesses and the arts. He will be remembered for his enduring faith and artistic talent. Survivors include his loving wife, Diane; his children, Sarah (Kim) Conner-Gorbach, James (Brad Tucker) Conner, Daniel (Chelsea) Conner, Lisa (Don) Like; grandchildren, Olivia, Stella, Calvin, Evelyn, Jeffrey, and Maxwell; his sister Pam Allen; and his brother Tim Conner. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Portia McClellan. A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 15 at Swartz Funeral Home in Flint, MI. The Conner family expresses their gratitude for the love and support they have received during this time of mourning. In honor of Jim's life, the family requests that those wishing to make an expression of sympathy consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Association, Evergreen Commons in Holland, where Jim received excellent care and spent many happy days, or the Grand Blanc Heritage Association. Arrangements handled by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444.
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