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James R. Connors, age 85 of Chisago City was born on Sept. 3, 1922 in Ladysmith, Wisconsin to Charles and Frona (Place) Connors. He attended school there graduating in 1940. He married Mariel Berry in St. Paul in 1946. He worked as a mechanic for 45 years. He served his country during WWII in the U.S. Army where he received the Meritoreus Service medal.

He is survived by his sons, Mike, of Roseville; Steve, of Osceola, WI; Rol, (Linda) of Egan; and Chuck, (Christine) of Urbandale, IA; eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Iva and Eva; wife, Mariel; son, James; grandsons, Billy and Corey.

James loved the friends he made at Cedar Lake Speedway, Parmly Residence, and the Swedish Inn.

James died on Saturday, December 22, 2007 at Fairview Lakes Medical Center in Wyoming.

Funeral services will be a 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 27 at Zion Lutheran Church in Chisago City with Rev. Mike Peterson officiating. Organist will be Julie Lauritzen.

Interment will take place at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Grandstrand Funeral Home.

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