John “Jack” Bradfield McConnell of Monterey and formerly of Greensboro, N.C. moved on to join his Uncle Dave, best friend Jimmy and father-in-law, in the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 18, 2018. He was born in Roanoke on December 15, 1961 to Carol Jean (Stump) McConnell and the late Robert Eugene McConnell. The family moved to Greensboro, N.C. when Jack was 10 years old, to expand the family’s concrete business.
While growing up, Jack raced motorcycles, played football, baseball and softball, enjoyed hunting and fishing with his grandfather. He had a beautiful baritone voice, which took him on a tour of Europe with America’s Youth Choir, a select group of 100 voices, all but four were college students, Jack being one of the four. Jack was also a local musical theatre star in Greensboro, N.C. starting at age 15.
After working in the family concrete business, he pursued his artistic side by building houses, building furniture, great trim work and stained staircases. Not to be deterred by the building market fall in 2009, he finally followed his true path and began writing. Currently he has authored and published five books under the name J. Bradfield McConnell, his favorite being a children’s book entitled “What a Blind Dog Sees”.
Two other books are complete and will be published posthumously. His final book for children, he has promised the profits to the animal rescue groups in Highland County. Jack was very involved in charitable works from a young age and chaired award winning projects with the Greensboro Jaycees and the Greater Greensboro Open Golf Tournament.
Jack is survived by his wife, Gloria (Smith) McConnell, whom he married on February 10, 1995; his mother, Carol (Stump) McConnell of Greensboro, N.C.; his sister Julie and her husband, Bryan, of Mills River, N.C.; numerous cousins, nieces, nephew; as well as an abundance of friends and family in Virginia, North Carolina and Florida. A celebration of his life will held at the Monterey home and a gathering of friends and family will be held in Greensboro, N.C. Jack’s request is for you to leave your sympathy at the door, instead bring your laughter, a good story and favorite photos to share. Memorial contributions may be shared in Jack’s memory to the Highland County Rescue Squad, PO Box 268, Monterey; Highland County Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 267, Monterey; Highland County Public Library, PO Box 519, Monterey; Becky Stump Educational Fund c/o Highland Elementary School, P.O. Box 310, Monterey, Va.
24465; or any other non-profit organization.
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