This year, we lost a beloved alumnus with the passing of Captain James Connell (MA ’69, PhD ’73), alumnus of the Department of Slavic and East European Languages and Cultures and member of the department’s Advisory Council. He passed away on December 20th, 2024 at the age of 85. His obituary can be read below.
James Goodman “Jim” Connell, Jr., a revered U.S. Navy Captain and dedicated public servant, passed away peacefully in Arlington, Virginia, on December 20th, 2024, at the age of 85. Over a remarkable career spanning more than six decades, Captain Connell served his country with unwavering dedication both in the U.S. Navy and as a civilian in the Department of Defense.
Born on September 21, 1939, in Adel, Georgia, Captain Connell was the son of James Goodman Connell, Sr., and Myrtle Grimsley Connell. From an early age, he embodied a sense of duty and excellence, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout and becoming the first Adel native to attend the United States Naval Academy. While at the Academy, he cultivated a lifelong passion for the Russian language and culture.
After graduating in 1961, Captain Connell served in the surface Navy, where his love of languages deepened, leading him to learn German, Spanish, and French while afloat. He pursued academic excellence with equal vigor, earning a Master of Arts from the University of Georgia in 1967, a second master’s degree in Slavic Language and Literature in 1969, and a Ph.D. in Slavic Languages from The Ohio State University in 1973. A polyglot, Captain Connell spoke six languages, including fluent Russian.
When asked how Slavic studies impacted his career, he said the following: “Slavic studies provided the foundation for two very fulfilling careers: active-duty Navy […] in Rome, Munich, Washington, USSR (Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty); and thirty years with the USRJC, nine years in Russia with the remainder in Washington with TDYs to Russia, Ukraine, and the Baltics.” His advice to students studying Russian was as follows: “Your most interesting and rewarding career will most likely be in government, particularly in the Foreign Service and intelligence-related agencies.”
In 1982, Captain Connell returned to active duty at Naval Air Station New Orleans, followed by assignments in the 1980s that included overseas postings in Ulan-Ude, Frankfurt, Rome, and Munich. In 1992, he began his distinguished work on POW/MIA issues, serving as a civilian at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow until 2001. During this time, Captain Connell was recognized as having spent more time investigating former Soviet gulag sites for information about American POW/MIAs than any other individual. Upon his return to the United States, he continued this vital mission with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, serving tirelessly until his passing.
Beyond his service, Captain Connell was a devoted patron of the arts, relishing theatre, dance, orchestra, and folk music. A gifted musician, he played trumpet and piano and was an accomplished singer. In his later years, he collaborated with his grandson, who performs under the name Thammarat, to release an EP of cherished songs on Spotify.
Captain Connell is survived by his beloved wife, Irina Aleksandrovna Connell; his children, James Goodman Connell, III (Meghan), Ashley Connell Meade (Keith), and Thomas Anthony Connell (Gladys); and his grandchildren, Brennan Thammarat Skelton Connell, Keith Edward Meade, IV, Emerson James Meade, and Phoenix Rakchanok Skelton Connell; and his siblings Jerry Lamar Connell (Lynn) and Cindy Connell Plymel (David). He was predeceased by his brother, William Harris Connell.
In honor of Captain Connell’s legacy, donations may be made to the Washington Balalaika Society at balalaika.org. Captain Connell’s life was a testament to the values of service, learning, and cultural appreciation. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
This obituary was adapted from the official obituary and an Advisory Council questionnaire.