Judge James B. O’Connor, 60, of Seneca, KS, died Friday morning, January 4, 2008 at his home.

Jim was born September 3, 1947, the son of Bernard C. “Pete” and Kathleen M. Brinker O’Connor. He grew up on a farm near Centralia and graduated from Centralia High School.

On June 1, 1968, he married Lana Holthaus at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. The couple had been married for 39 years, and raised two children, Judd and Amy.

In 1968 Jim opened a babershop, then began working for the Seneca Police Department in 1973. He served as Police Chief from June 1975 to October 1977. He also was an EMT for the city of Seneca, and was Chief of the Ambulance Service until 1977. In November 1986 he was elected as District Magistrate Judge. He commenced serving on January 12, 1987 and was certified by the Kansas Supreme Court on May 18, 1987. His recent reelection in November 2006 gave him over 20 years of service as a District Magistrate Judge. In addition, he was appointed Municipal Court Judge for the cities of Sabetha, Seneca, Wetmore, Centralia, and Onaga.

As a lifelong resident of Nemaha County, Jim was actively involved in the community. He was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, the Spring Creek Golf Course, the Kansas Municipal Judges’ Association, the District Magistrate Judges’ Association, and was a past Jaycee.

Jim loved his family and cherished every moment they had together. When his children were young, he helped coach their little league and softball teams. He loved outdoors activities, especially fishing and hunting. Jim was also an avid gardener and shared the fruits of his labors with family and friends.

Survivors are his wife Lana of the home; a son, Judd and wife Jeanne of Lincoln, NE; a daughter, Amy and husband Chase Smith of Topeka; and five grandchildren, Lucas, Adam, Kadin, Cooper and Kendal. His sister Sharon O’Connor Schwartz of Tecumseh, KS, also survives him.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Mass of Christian burial will be offered at 10 AM Monday, January 7, at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Rosaries will be prayed at 2 & 7 PM Sunday at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorials may be given for the Nemaha Valley Community Hospital, and sent in care of the family.