James A. Connick

Connick, James A.

Jim was hospitalized while traveling in Newport Beach, CA and passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord with his love Susan holding one hand and his daughter Debra holding his other, while listening to the hymn Take My Hand, Precious Lord. His faith, while always strong, became stronger still after losing his beloved wife and our mother Alana in 2011. He and Susan (and Alana and Debra) are longtime members of St. John's Lutheran Church.

Jim was born and raised in Sacramento, California, and graduated from McClatchy High. He was predeceased by his father, Artie, mother, Mabel, and wife Alana. He is survived by loving partner of 4 years Susan Shambaugh, and by his sister, Joann Craft (Jerry, deceased), and brother Don (Carmel) Connick, as well as brother-in-law Jay Conner (Vicki), sister-in-law Donna Conner (John, deceased), sister-in-law Deb Conner (“Gym” deceased),  and sister-in-law Marla Adams, as well as Susan’s sister Jane Shambaugh.

He is also survived by his daughter, Debra Connick and her wife Linh Hong, their son David, and son Jim Connick, and his wife Sharon, and their daughter Abigail.  Jim and Alana helped raise numerous children, including Marla and “Gym,” throughout their marriage, many of whom affectionately called him “Pops” or “Dad.” 

Grandfather to David Connick (great grandchild Jessalyn), Abigail Connick, Ariel and Tom Rapson (great grandchildren Abigail Alana and Emma), Kiel and Tracey Adams, Aaron and Kati Adams, and Logan Adams. Jim had numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins he leaves behind as well. 

Jim was a member of South Sacramento Rotary Club for more than 35 years, and was previously recognized for 60 years of volunteerism with American Red Cross, and for being a 50 gallon blood donor. For the past 15 years he has been a volunteer with the Galt Police CAPS. In lieu of flowers the family requests blood donations be made by those who are able, and/or donations to the South Sacramento Rotary Club Scholarship Fund, or the Sacramento-Sierra Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Visitation will be on Monday, September 26 at Zapata Funeral Home at 445 N. American St, Stockton from 1pm-5pm. Internment will be Tuesday, September 27 at Galt-Arno Cemetery 14180 Joy Dr., Galt at 11am. Memorial service will be Saturday, October 1 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1701 L St, Sacramento at 1pm.