Dr. P. James Connor

Dr. P. James Connor

November 14, 1930 – September 29, 2023

Dr. P. James Connor, 92, longtime internal medicine physician, passed away peacefully on September 29 at home surrounded by his family. Also known as Jim, he was graduate of Creighton Prep, Creighton University and Creighton University School of Medicine.  Jim was a lifelong  resident of Omaha and an avid sportsman, Creighton booster and world traveler with his wife and four daughters.

Jim was born on November 14, 1930, the first of three boys, to Patrick J. and Ellen Connor.  An honor student at Park School, Jim went on to attend Creighton Prep, graduating in 1947.  From there, he attended Creighton University and went on to Creighton University Medical School, graduating with his MD in 1955.

After finishing his residency in internal medicine in 1957 at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science in Rochester, MN, Jim returned to Omaha, NE, to set up his private practice which continued until retirement in 2014. He also proposed marriage to Carol Jeannette Dineen.  Jim and Carol were married at Holy Name Catholic Church on October 31, 1961.  In short order, four daughters joined the family.

Practicing medicine, with a special focus on care and concern for his patients, was his passion.  Jim especially enjoyed mentoring medical students and residents at Saint Joseph’s Hospital, ensuring they understood the importance of listening carefully and completely to each patient.  Jim served a stint as Chief of Staff at Saint Joe’s and participated in the groundbreaking with Secretary of Health and Human Services Casper Weinberger for the new hospital in 1978.  He received many honors and awards over his career, including the 2008 Bergen Mercy Candlelight Award in 2008.

Jim also loved to travel the globe with Carol and his daughters, finding time to visit all seven continents.  He also enjoyed all sports, with a special focus on skiing, snowboarding, tennis and rollerblading with his wife and daughters. Combining travel with sports, Jim attended every Grand Slam Tennis Championships in person.  One of the original Creighton Men’s Basketball season ticket holders, Jim attended Creighton sporting events for almost 70 years.

Jim’s volunteer work was extensive, including medical service work in Africa, South America & the Dominican Republic, serving on the planning committee for Duchesne Academy’s Conge Gala as well as on the Omaha Tennis Association Board of Directors.  Jim was inducted into the Nebraska Tennis Hall of Fame in 2010.

Surviving family members include Surviving family members wife Carol Dineen Connor, brother Tom Connor (Tracy), nephew Mike Connor, wife Lisa and son Evan and sister-in-law Betty Dineen Shrier, all of Omaha, daughters Peg Connor-Porter and husband Scott of Laramie, WY, Sharon Connor of Pittsburgh, PA, Kathleen Connor and partner Paul Leachtenauer of Seattle, WA, and Trish Connor of Omaha, NE and grandchild Natalia Connor of Pittsburgh, PA.

Predeceased family members include parents Patrick J. and Ellen (Fanning) Connor, brother Bob Connor and wife Betty, in-laws Martin Joseph Dineen and Alma Crellin Dineen, sisters in Law Connie Connor and Patricia Dineen Schendt, all of Omaha, and J. Max and Georgine Hoffman of Lincoln.

VISITATION: Tuesday, October 3^rd from 5pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel, followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm.  MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Wednesday, October 4^th at 1pm at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 11802 Pacific Street, 68154.  Interment following Mass at Calvary Cemetery.  Donations in Jim’s name can be made to Doctors Without Borders or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.

To view live broadcasts of the Vigil Service and Mass, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.