Lighting candle insufficient for me, so, tonight for Jim (and for many nights to come) -- I'm firing up the grill, cracking open a miller genuine draft, lighting up an "Ethan repellent", and cranking up Sweet Home Chicago by the Blues Brothers. Catch ya later JuniorMint, take care up there, and say "Hi" to your Mom for me.

Jim, you were shockingly taken way too soon! I have such fond memories from our college days. You were a good friend and one of my favorite Delta Sigs. After college, I really appreciated your company on the commute from the city. Your smile was infectious and I loved our conversations. I remember you telling me about Chris and how happy you were. My heart breaks for Chris and your children. Thinking of them and the rest of your wonderful family. I know you will watch over them. Rest in peace my friend and may your memory be a blessing.

I've tried hard over the last few days to try and pick the best moment, or story, or laugh in my time at De Paul and in the Fraternity involving Jim. Then, I remembered he was there for almost all of them.

May you rest in peace.

You were a great friend and ally.

My condolences go out to the entire Connellan family. Jim was my colleague and friend and as others....I will miss him greatly....

The Jim Connellan I met in the early Nineties had a great sense of humor and a strong Catholic faith and I found him to have remained just the same, plus now a proud family man, when we reconnected during a trip I made to Chicago in 2008. I am now on the other side of the Atlantic and I wish I were in Chicago next Monday for the service. I have remembered him in my prayers and will continue to do so for a long time. My condolences to his family.

Liam,

I am truly sorry to hear about your dad's sudden passing. Please know you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers now and in the future.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Nemeth

My condolences to the entire family. I have many fond memories of Jim. While his fraternal brotherhood was strong - what I most admired about Jim was his faith in God. When our Father called him, like an obedient and loving son, he went. I pray that his faith will carry Christine and the boys and the rest of the family and that the Church can serve you in this difficult time. Jim and the Connellan family will be in my and my family's prayers.

DSP and GCC will never be the same! You will always in our prayers.

Sending my love to Chris and the kids, I am very sorry for your loss. I will miss Jim's sense of humor and his updates on how the family is doing, especially the kids in school. He was a fantastic person, who will be missed.

We will miss you Jim. Too soon for a brother with your dedication and spirit. We are all better people for having dwelt upon this world with you.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Mike, you and your loving family, now and always.

I was Jim's big brother in the fraternity, and no words could ever describe how saddened I am by Jim's passing. Jim had the kindest heart, and I know how much he valued his friendships. My life is better having known and spent time with Jim. We will carry on his memory - never forgetting the friendly smile and way he always made everyone feel at ease and comfortable. His dry sense of humor will be sorely missed. God speed Jim - your fraternity big bro - Chris

My condolences to the entire Connellan family. I have many fond memories of Jim.

To Christine and the kids - I am so very sorry Jim left at such a young age. He was one of the kindest brothers I met through Delta Sigma Pi. I cannot imagine what you are all going through as this is quite a shock. Know he made a difference in people's lives. He made someone smile when their day was going so wrong. He made someone feel accepted when they felt incredibly left out. You married a very great man, Christine, and I am so very sorry he is gone. My deepest condolences and sympathy - please let me know if I can do anything. Jim, you will always be remembered - men like you are far and few. God Bless you and Fly Free. See you in the next life, my brother. <3

We were saddened to hear the news about Jim. We wish Jim's family, friends and his Delta Sigma Pi fraternity brothers the best at this difficult time. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

I only worked with Jim for 3 months, but he became a great friend fast and was always making us laugh! He will be misssed by all he came in contact with. Prayers to his family in their time of grief.