Richard James "Jim" McConnell, 87, of Superior, died Sunday July, 8, 2012 at Bayshore Health Center in Duluth.

Jim was born in Superior on Nov. 16, 1924 the son of Andrew and Anna McConnell.

He married the former Betty Ann Fischer and they celebrated over 62 years of marriage.

He enlisted in the Army in and served his country for over 22 years retiring in 1966 at the rank of First Sergeant, E8. Enlisting in 1942, he served during WWII and saw over 2 years of combat in Europe and took part in beachhead landings in Sicily, Italy and southern France. He saw combat service in Korea and participated in beachhead landings on Inchon, Korea. His last overseas duty was in Germany where he was a company First Sergeant during the Berlin crisis. He was very proud of his nephew, Michael Madden, for following him in a career in the Military.

Jim was awarded many awards including the Army commendation Medal, the French Croix de Guerre, the Middle East theater ribbon with four bronze battle stars, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Infantry Badge with star, and the Good conduct Medal which he was awarded 4 times.

After retiring from the Army Jim was a security guard on the UW Superior campus.

He was a member of the Thomas F. Stein VFW post #1091 and of the Disabled American Veterans.

He enjoyed golfing, bowling, fishing and hunting. He loved to travel with his family especially taking their camper to Leech Lake, Minn., to fish and had also gone fishing in Canada. He and his wife, Betty has also wintered in Texas.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers and sisters, Roy "Bud", Leon "Spike", Florien "Manty", Ramona "Mona" Johnson, Justine "Tina" Evenson and Delores "Dode" McConnell.

He is survived by his wife, Betty; a daughter, Sebrina (Daniel) VanNurden of Aitkin, Minn.; grandchildren, Mya Lee and Cody James VanNurden; a sister, Hazel, the last of 8 children; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and his beloved dog, Monique.

A time of remembrance will be held on Thursday July, 12 from 5- 7p.m. at Downs Funeral Home, corner of 19th St. and Ogden Ave, with a prayer service at 6:45 p.m. Fr. James Tobolski of St. Francis Xavier Church will officiate. Burial will be in Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff in the Memory Care Unit at Bayshore Health Center, especially to Steve, Becky, Laura, Kathy and Robin.