John James O’Connell Jr., 79, of Statesville, N.C., died on Thursday, December 29, 2022, at the Gordon Hospice House. He was born in Manhattan, N.Y., on December 18, 1943, to the late John J. O’Connell Sr. and Josephine Campbell O’Connell.

John was a police officer for New York City for 15 years and was with the New York State Army National Guard/US Army for 30 years. He loved classic cars and RVs.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 56 years, Georgeann Unser O’Connell; two sons, John George O’Connell (Michelle) and Peter James O’Connell (Jenny); a daughter, Christie O’Connell Omasta (John); eleven grandchildren, Christopher, Andrew, Amanda, Patrick, Sarah, Elizabeth, Peter, Nason, Madeline, Benjamin, and Charles; and four siblings.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at 2 p.m. at Nicholson Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor James Lewis officiating. Burial will follow in the Living Word Ministries Cemetery with full military rites. The family will greet friends from 1 to 1:45 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to Living Word Ministries, 347 Jennings Road, Statesville, NC 28625.

Nicholson Funeral Home is honored to serve the O’Connell family.