Passing of classmate John “Jack” Clippen Connolly

It is with great sadness that we tell you of the passing of our classmate John “Jack” Clippen Connolly.

John C. ‘Jack’ Connolly of Baton Rouge was called to his Heavenly Home on August 20, 2020. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Pamela Rose; his son, Brian, and wife, Kelly; his daughter, Jennifer Courreges and husband, Doug, (Pearl, MS); his sisters, Patty Arnold (Houston, TX) and Kathleen Brown (Bill) (Knoxville, TN); grandchildren, Harrison Connolly, Clippen Connolly, Sophie Dawson, and Jaxson Courreges, as well as, in- laws, cousins, nieces and nephews he held dear. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, John Francis Connolly and Rosemary Clippen Connolly.

Jack was born Sept. 5, 1944 in New Orleans. He graduated Fortier High School in 1962 and attended USL (Univ. of Southwestern La), now ULL. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1966, was swiftly promoted to Chief Petty Officer, and received the National Defense Service Award.

On Dec. 28, 1966, he married the love of his life, Pamela Rose Wilde. In 1976, he moved from his beloved New Orleans to Baton Rouge to join Blue Cross of LA. He later worked with Colonial Life and Accident for over twenty years earning many awards and distinctions.

Jack was an avid fan of New Orleans music, politics, and culture. He was an honorary member of the popular band, The Counts. Jack had a vinyl album collection that would make any vintage collector envious. He embraced his new home of Baton Rouge and made innumerable friends while maintaining priceless ties with friends dating back to kindergarten.

Jack never met a stranger and was a larger than life presence who earned the spotlight. He was a staunch Catholic, proud of his Irish heritage, who supported multiple charitable organizations. He firmly believed in helping others by donating frequently. He sincerely believed if everyone regularly donated even a small amount, it would make a big difference.

He also loved more than anything, being with his family, whether it was making his wife laugh heartily, watching movies or the Saints and LSU games with this son, listening to music with his daughter, or reminiscing fun times with family and friends. Jack leaves a void that will be greatly missed as he made such an amazing lasting impression.