James Joseph O'Connor Jr.

Hartsgrove Twp. – James Joseph O’Connor Jr., age 79, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026 at his home. He was born in Cleveland on July 31, 1946, the son of James Joseph Sr. and Eleanore E. (Sill) O’Connor. James was married to Joyce Marlene (Irwin) O’Connor for 50 years. He was a Cleveland Police Officer for 36 years serving in the Mounted Unit for 21 of those years. He served in the Army National Guard and was a member of the Cleveland Police Patrolmen’s Association (CPPA). James enjoyed gardening, classic cars, competing in the Geauga County Fair, and all things Irish. He is survived by his wife Joyce O’Connor, children Daniel (Linda) and Michael (Sandra) O’Connor, Colleen (George) Cresho, step children Kimberly Modic, Wendy (Tom) Clougher, siblings Ellen Jane, Thomas, Timothy and Rose Mary O’Connor, grandchildren Layne, Courtney, Dillion, Madeline, Katelyn, Vivian, step grandchildren Brittany, Branden and Thomas. Preceded in death by his parents James Sr. and Eleanore O’Connor, and brother Kevin O’Connor.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary Catholic Parish, 401 North Street, Chardon, OH 44024 on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., visitation will take place prior to mass from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., Condolences may be made at painefuneralhome.com