James “Jim” Michael O’Connor, 66, passed away Saturday October 18, 2025 at his home with family and dogs beside him.

Jim was born on June 22, 1959 at Jackson Park Hospital in Chicago IL, to Robert “Bob” O’Connor and Sondra O’Connor.

He married Terry Jones on July 19, 1980 at Sue’s residence in South Elgin IL, they shared 45 years of marriage

Jim was a humorous man, he loved to make jokes and fool around with just about anyone he met. He had the most contagious laugh that followed with a playful smirk, he always found the small joys in life and utilized each smile he received and produced. He was quite the outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and just sitting out at the Shabbona lake soaking in nature's beauty with an iced tea in hand. He was a handyman, he fixed boat motors, worked on vehicles and partook in home improvement as a hobby, he liked to be productive. If Jim had a tool and a Youtube video he could fix anything. You’d often hear him whistling as he was focused on his work. Jim was a Chicago white sox’s fan and likes rock and roll music. Jim courageously served our Navy. He loved his dogs Rosie and Frank like they were his own flesh and blood. Jim had a heart of gold, he loved his beloved wife, children, grandson, nieces and nephews, and occasionally his mother-in-law. Jim would rip the shirt off his back for his family no matter the cost, good or bad, rain or shine, he loved his family dearly.

Jim worked for CST Storage in DeKalb, he built silos and storage tanks, it was a second family for Jim. Many of his co-workers knew him for is many laughs.

He is survived by his wife Terry O’Connor; his children Nichoel (Joey McCall) O’Connor and Michael O’Connor; his grandson Zander, his father Robert O’Connor; his mother-in-law Judy Jones; his siblings Sue (Gary) Kessler, Daniel O’Connor, Bobby (Susie) O’Connor and Maureen (Jason) Casto; his sisters-in-law Tammy (Gary) Huckabee and Kristy Postawa; his nieces and nephews Heather O’Connor, Jennifer Dyer, April Kunz, Makayla Casto, Connor Casto, Logan O’Connor, Andrew O’Connor, Amy (Jason) Lopez, Amanda (Tim) Willoughby, Gary Huckabee, Gavrielle (Jadden Hollis) Postawa, Corlissa Postawa and many more; and his great nephews Kyle Willoughby, Nathan Willoughby and Trenton Lopez.

Those proceeding in death with him are his mother, Sondra O’Connor; his step mother Norma O’Connor; his father-in-law Bill Jones; and his brother-in-law DeWayne Jones.

A visitation will be held on Saturday October 25, 2025 from 1pm until time of military honors at 3pm at Anderson Funeral Home, 2011 S 4th St, DeKalb, IL 60115. Interment private at Cedar Grove Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the O’Connor Family in care of Anderson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 605, 2011 South Fourth Street, DeKalb, IL 60115.