James Joseph O'Connor Jr.

James Joseph O'Connor Jr., age 79, of Hartsgrove Township, passed away peacefully at his home on March 9, 2026. Born in Cleveland on July 31, 1946, he was the son of James Joseph O'Connor Sr. and Eleanore E. (Sill) O'Connor.

James dedicated 36 years to the Cleveland Police Department, serving 21 of those years with the Mounted Unit. He also served in the Army National Guard and remained an active member of the Cleveland Police Patrolmen's Association. He shared 50 years of marriage with his wife, Joyce Marlene (Irwin) O'Connor. A man of many interests, he found joy in gardening, restoring classic cars, competing at the Geauga County Fair, and celebrating his Irish heritage.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce O'Connor; children Daniel (Linda) O'Connor, Michael (Sandra) O'Connor, and Colleen (George) Cresho; stepchildren Kimberly Modic and Wendy (Tom) Clougher; siblings Ellen Jane, Thomas, Timothy, and Rose Mary O'Connor; grandchildren Layne, Courtney, Dillion, Madeline, Katelyn, and Vivian; and step-grandchildren Brittany, Branden, and Thomas. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Kevin O'Connor.