"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at the day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7-8

James Henry Conner (85), passionately known as "SONNY" and "CONNER" was born on April 25, 1939, to the late Henry D. Conner and Annie Farrow Conner in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. With all powers in HIS hands, he slipped from his earthly realm into his eternal body on Monday, November 25, 2024, at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital.

James was one of 6 children, which consisted of four sisters, Catherine, Sarah, Virginia, and Kay and one brother, Albert "T-Ball". He attended WSFCS at Atkins High and entered the U.S. Army Branch in 1956 to1966 (7 years Military Police) with a one-year tour of duty in Vietnam. On January 6, 1967, Sonny seriously began another chapter as a proudful bus driver for the SAFE BUS Co. (a first black owned African American transportation for workers 1926). Years later, the Safe Bus Co. became WSTA where Conner became the president of the Union for a period. In August 2004, James closed his last door and took his last fare. Throughout his tenure, James's "Sonny" Conner was elected president of the infamous Zodiac Social Club and after retirement joined The Walkers, a get into shape club formed by his sister Kay with daily miles at Bowen Park and Hanes Hosiery Recreation Center. He became a profound member at New Bethel Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Kendall D. Jones where he accepted Christ as his personal Savior in 2006. Mr. Conner wasn't just a devoted member, but also the #1 Usher (Greeter) with a smile on his face and inspiring words from his heart. Not only was he a profound man of God, but also a caring son, a protective brother, the best father and grandfather and a Heaven-Sent husband.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his four sisters, Catherine Jackson, Virginia Scott, Sarah Shepard, and Kay Johnson; great-granddaughter,

A'Ziyah Bell; and granddaughter-in-law, Bridgette Teague.

James "Sonny" Conner leaves to cherish his loving memories are his devoted wife of 33 years, Judith "Judy" Neal Conner; his daughters, Tamatha White and Alicia Marshall; one son, Shawn Marshall; three grandchildren, Terrez Teague, Shanise Sims, and Shekinah (William) Bell; 7 great-grands Brianna, Ariyonna, Olivia, Aubrey, Jayceon, Jasiah, and Ailani; one brother, Albert "T-Ball" (Veronica) Conner; brothers-in-law, Jon (Denise) Neal, Jeffrey Neal, and Joel (April) Neal; one sister-in-law, Joyce (Bo) Knight; special friends Josephine Marshall and Carolyn White; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and wonderful friends.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30am Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at New Bethel Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Kendall Jones officiating.  Interment will follow in Salisbury National Cemetery, Salisbury, NC. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 11:30am on Wednesday at the Church.