Hundreds pay respects, celebrate life of James ‘Jimmy’ Connors

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Family, friends, and the city of Scranton came together to say a heartfelt goodbye to former Mayor James “Jimmy” Connors.

Saint Peter’s Cathedral was filled with hundreds of people Tuesday morning to pay their respects and celebrate the life of a man who left a lasting mark on the community.

James Connors served as the Mayor of Scranton from 1990 to 2002 and continued his dedication to public service long after his retirement.

“He told me it went from helping the kids in the neighborhood all the way to becoming mayor, from there it was just about helping families in Scranton and being the presence of good in the community,” said James Connors’s son, Zac Connors.

Zac spoke about his father’s good soul, noting what a wonderful dad he was to him.

“My dad cared about everyone, not only genuinely, but naturally, it was how he was made. I love you Pop, thank you for being the best brother, teacher, friend, and dad,” Zac expressed.

The ceremony was a blend of laughter and tears as family members shared heartfelt stories of Connors.

“Don’t get me wrong, he wanted to sing at Nay Aug Park for years to come, but he was pleased with his life with all he did and saw,” Zac explained.

“He was known to tell jokes and even sing songs during his eulogies, though he would want me to, I’m not going to do either of those things,” said James’ granddaughter Quinn Hemphill MacDonald.

Quinn brought smiles and tears as she remembered her beloved papa.

“To us, papa was our very own Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up, he would burst into our house and ask if we wanted to hit the high road to adventure,” Quinn said.

As the service concluded, friends, family, and community members left Saint Peter’s Cathedral with heavy hearts but also with a deep sense of gratitude for the life and legacy of James “Jimmy” Connors.

Jimmy Connors was 77 years old.

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