Jim O’Connor

James F. “Jim” O’Connor, affectionately known as Dad, Big Pop, Okie, and Coach passed away suddenly on April 26, 2024, at the age of 68. He is survived by his wife Kathleen “Kathy” O’Connor (nee Golden); children James (Jessica), Bridget (David), and Bryan (Rachael); grandsons who are his pride and joy Martin, James, and Cole; siblings Jerry (Denise), Maureen (David), Sharon (Joe); along with relatives and friends who will miss him dearly. Preceded in death by his parents James and Winifred.

Jim was generous, selfless, a tireless supporter of those he loved, and committed to his Catholic faith.

Born and raised in Fishtown, Philadelphia, PA Jim proudly attended Holy Name of Jesus Grade School and then North Catholic High School where he became a falcon forever. From North Catholic he proceeded, with a scholarship, to Temple University and became the first member of his family to graduate college. 

A devoted son, grandson, husband, father, uncle and friend, Jim’s dedication to his family and friends was immense. He was generous with his spirit, his time and anything he could give to uplift others. Jim loved attending sporting events and creating memories. An avid fan of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the Philadelphia Eagles and Sixers, Jim attended countless games, events, tournaments, Final Fours and Super Bowls with his sons. When not in a stadium or arena Jim enjoyed trips to New York, with Kathy, to see a Broadway show and during the summers he could not wait to see and sing along with Herman’s Hermits. 

A Healthcare Entrepreneur, Jim began in medical equipment sales before organizing a group, in the late 1980’s, to buy St. Mary’s Hospital in Fishtown (the hospital where he was born) after it declared bankruptcy.  Jim’s motivation was to save the hospital and the jobs of those in the community. Demonstrating his skill in bringing together investors, political leaders and unions, Jim built the foundation for a career where he became recognized for his ability to turn around distressed healthcare facilities. He continued to expand his influence in the health sector by acquiring and presiding over Delaware Valley Residential Care and PeachTree Health Group, further cementing his reputation for excellence in healthcare and dedicating himself to improving the quality of life for residents through compassionate and meaningful care.

Beyond his professional career Jim volunteered his time to coach basketball. From his original teams with the Fishtown Rec., to his championship winning teams at Crispin Gardens, Jim impacted his players on and off the court remaining a mentor and positive influence in their lives long after the games ended.  Jim was also proud of his more than twenty years as a high school and college football referee.  He cherished the time he spent on the field and the lifelong friendships he formed with his fellow officials. Jim was honored for his coaching, officiating, and commitment to living Salesian Values with awards from the Markward Basketball Club and induction into the ARCO Football Officials Hall of Fame and the North Catholic Hall of Fame. 

Jim’s greatest joy was at the seashore, with his family, at his homes in Longport, NJ and Marco, Island Florida. He cherished his walks on the beach, his time in his beach chair reading, and watching the sunsets and stars with his loving wife Kathy. 

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Thursday May 2, 2024, at Saint Jerome’s Church (8100 Colfax Street, Philadelphia PA) 1:00PM to 3:30PM followed by his Funeral Mass. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make donations in his name to:

Longport Police Benevolent Association: 2305 Atlantic Ave, Longport, NJ 08043

Norphan’s Inc.: P.O. Box 11856 Philadelphia, PA 19128

Northeast Catholic Scholarship Fund: PO Box 7005 Philadelphia, PA 19149-0005 @ NorthCatholicAlumni.org

The O’Connor family also requests you perform an anonymous act of kindness to honor Jim’s spirit of generosity.