Jai’s Blog

Bishop James L. Connors was born Oct 2, 1946 to the late Bishop Henry S. Connors and Lizzie A. Connors of Alton, IL.  He was educated in the Alton Public School system and attended Southern Illinois University, Milliken University,  and graduated Hampton University, Class of 74 .  He entered the Navy in 1967, and ascended in rank to Lieutenant Commander.  On May 8th 1970 he married the love of his life Brenda Williams.  To that union was born Shawn M. Connors and Jamesia L. Connors.  After 22 years, he retired from the US Navy, and dedicated another 20 years to Maryview Behavior Medicine as an R.N. and counselor.  He first was a member of Alton Community Church of God where his father was the founder and pastor.

On July 3, 1977 he was ordained at Shiloh Baptist Church.  After moving to Chesapeake, VA, he was a member of New Hope Baptist Church where he served faithfully as an associate minister under Rev. Sidney S. Foster.  Some of his many interests include computers, technology, education, reading, mentoring children and all of his family and friends affectionately remember him as an animal-lover and “grill-sergeant”.   He was a member of a number of organizations to include the Hampton Alumni, Virginia Beach Chapter; the National Navy Officers Association, the American Nurses Association, Virginia Nurses Association, Chi Eta Phi Sorority, Inc. (Iota Phi Chapter) where he became the first male member of this nursing sorority; and a volunteer at Big Brothers America.

Bishop James L Connors on Wednesday April 9th 2008 was called home to be with the Lord and receive his “new heavenly body.”