Former NAMA President Passes
James Valery Connell 87, of South Kansas City, Missouri passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his wife and family on March 27, 2006. A visitation will be at St. Thomas More Church, 11822 Holmes on Thursday March 30 from 5p.m. to 8p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be Friday March 31st at St. Thomas More Church at 10:30a.m. Burial immediately following at Mount Moriah Cemetery, 10507 Holmes.
Jim was born on July 3, 1918 to Esmond and Louise Connell in Luverne, Minnesota. His parents; three brothers, Hugh, Bryce and Keith and his two sisters-in-laws, Snick and Fern, preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, who he adored, Florence, his children and their spouses, Elliott and Marty, Keith and Bonnie, Kevin and Nancy, Connie and Kevin Fahey and his grandchildren Scott, Susan, Shannon, Jimmy and his wife Vanessa, Danny, Allison and her husband John, Andrew and his wife Courtney, Thomas, Carrie, Bryan, and Matthew. He also leaves eight great grandchildren who were the love of his life, Ashton, Hunter, Tyler, K.J., Robbie, Elizabeth, Annie and Aidan.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to either Seton Center or Kansas City Hospice. Jim was a dedicated husband and father. He was proud to have attended the University of Notre Dame and even more proud to have completed his journalism education at the University of Missouri. He instilled the “Tiger” tradition in each one of his children and they carried it forward for him. He was a caring man known to many in his field as “Smiley”. As a Naval Officer from 1941-1946 serving in the Pacific Theatre during World War II he exhibited a true love for his country. He served our country, as did his three brothers when it was unheard of for four brothers to leave their family and go into service at the same time. A gifted journalist Jim worked for The Packer, a trade publication for fresh fruits and vegetables, beginning in 1947. He worked his way up the ranks becoming their Vice President and Publishing Director in 1969. Jim was honored by the National Produce Marketing Association for 35 years of dedicated service to the industry. He served as president of the National Agri-Marketing Association in 1976 and 1977 and was recognized in 1978 with the NAMA Achievement Award. He mentored many young collegiant writers and assisted several in finding employment through a program he developed at Vance Publishing Company. Jim retired from this field after over 45 years of a true commitment. Passion for his wife, family, job and religion drove him to always be the best he could be. He will be deeply missed by all.
The early registration deadline and hotel cut-off date for the 2006 Agri-Marketing Conference & Trade Show, “Jazzed!”, is approaching. Make your reservations before March 28 to ensure the early registration rate and secure a hotel room. Registration rates will increase after March 28 and hotel reservations made after that same date are subject to higher rates and potential unavailability.
Donations are still needed for the 2006 Silent Auction that will be held during the Connection Point (Trade Show), April 19-20. Find a home for that special edition wildlife print or even those sports tickets and surplus company logo jackets. Or give a media package or services, and support the ABEF at the same time. Any worthwhile product or service will be gratefully accepted.
Gather your foursome for fun and networking on the golf course prior to the Agri-Marketing Conference and Trade Show. The 2006 ABEF Golf Tournament will take place Tuesday April 18 at Winterstone Golf Course in Independence, MO. Winterstone is a championship course from renowned designer Craig Schreiner and has a fabulous layout with rolling slopes and beautiful trees. The course condition is excellent – the lush zoysia grass fairways are ideal to hit from because they’re thicker than other grasses, like a cushion. The bent grass greens make for true putting. 
NAMA has named George Thornton, President & CEO of Agriliance LLC, the 2006 Agribusiness Leader of the Year. This award, which is NAMA’s highest honor, will be presented at the Opening General Session of the 2006 Agri-Marketing Conference & Trade Show, “Jazzed!,” April 20, 2006 in Kansas City. The award honors outstanding leaders in agribusiness, education, government service or other agribusiness related areas who exemplify excellence in agribusiness by their significant contributions to the industry.
Tom Davis, Group Publisher of Meredith Corporation’s Men’s Brands, has been honored with the NAMA Marketer of the Year award. The award will be presented during the Second General Session of the 2006 Agri-Marketing Conference & Trade Show, “Jazzed!” on Thursday, April 20 at 11:00 a.m. in Kansas City and is sponsored by AgriMarketing magazine.