Jim Connolly was a partner with Connolly Tacon & Meserve in private practice with the law firm since 1978. His family first settled in the Olympia area in 1870. Jim graduated from Gonzaga University and Willamette Law School and served as an adjunct instructor with the South Puget Sound Community College Paralegal Program.
Jim’s service to our local community included positions on the board of the Olympia Heritage Commission, including as chair, SPSCC’s Paralegal Program Advisory Committee and TAMARC (Thurston and Mason Addictions Recovery Council). Jim was also former chair of the St. Michael School Commission. He and his wife Cathy raised two daughters who are graduates of St. Michael School and Bellarmine Preparatory School.
Jim served as Vice President of the Board of Pope John Paul II High School until shortly before his death. Jim’s dedication to his community was exemplary and his commitment to Catholic education provided critical insights and guidance in the early years of the effort to open Pope John Paul II High School. His legacy continues int he lives of the young people who are being formed as future leaders of the community Jim so faithfully served.
Says Scott Euteneier, former board member, “the high school, among other institutions in town, benefited from his involvement. He was a critical thinker in the early formation of the board. His suggestions–only made after hearing all sides of a particular challenge–were always helpful, insightful and moved the organization incrementally toward the finish line. He never lost sight that the goal was to provide a quality option for the kids of our community. He had a wonderful, entertaining grasp of the history of this community and was able to place the school in that context.”
