James Lewis “JC “ Connor of Crestview, Florida, passed away at the age of 60 on Tuesday, May 21, 2013, in Miramar Beach, Florida. He was born on July 3, 1952 in Troy, Alabama. JC was preceded in death by his parents, James Arthur and Natalie Annette Jinright Connor; and son, James Lewis Connor, Jr.

He is survived by his wife, Sandy; and his daughter, Sarah Solomon (Josh) of Millbrook, Ala. He is also survived by his brother, David F. Connor (Vallee) of Grove Hill, Ala.; his sister, Karen Bullard (Harry) of Troy, Ala.; and his granddaughter, Lily Solomon. Nieces and nephews include Amanda Challancin (Mark), Jarad Connor, Misty Connor, Brian Baer (Laine), Brett Baer, Alyssa Corsbie, Zach Corsbie, Ryan Mathewson, Ashlee Baer, Caroline Baer, Maisey Baer, Remy Baer, Jacob Baer, Caleb Baer, and Joshua Baer.

Mr. Connor was a descendant of the pioneer Connor family of Pike County, Ala. and was a 1970 graduate of Charles Henderson High School in Troy, Ala. He achieved Eagle Scout in 1968 and was also an alumnus of the Charioteers Drum and Bugle Corps. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Troy University and the University of West Florida, respectively. He was an avid supporter of the Troy University Sound of the South Band and previously served as Vice President of Winter Guard International. He served for a time as chief judge of Drum Corps South and was a member of Sons of the American Revolution and Sons of Confederate Veterans. Mr. Connor was a board member of the Troy University Emerald Coast Alumni Association and a member of Phi Mu Alpha fraternity, an honorary member of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority and a member of the Pike County Historical and Genealogical Society.

Mr. Connor retired as the Chief Information Officer of the Okaloosa County School District in 2012, where he had been a dedicated employee for 36 years. He served on the Board of Directors for the Okaloosa County Teachers Federal Credit Union.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 24, 2013 from 3:30-5:00 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Shalimar, Florida. The funeral service will follow at 5 p.m. with Pastor Ray Angerman officiating. A graveside service will be held Sunday, May 26, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the Wesley Chapel Cemetery, where he served on the Board of Directors. The cemetery is located on Highway 29, Troy, Ala. with Reverend Jim Powell of Tennille Methodist Church officiating. Davis-Watkins Funeral Home in Crestview will be handling the arrangements.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Mose Hayes III of Emerald Coast Oncology Center for his constant care and support. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to the JC Connor Scholarship Fund established by the Emerald Coast Troy University Alumni Association at any branch of First National Bank and Trust, to the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Youth Group or to any charity of your choice. Scholarship funds can be mailed to Emerald Coast Troy University Alumni PO Box 752 , Mary Ester, Fla. 32569.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.daviswatkins.com.