James "Jim" Thomas Connaughty

James “Jim” Connaughty, age 85, passed away in his home at Sugar Loaf Senior Living on Monday, May 19,2025 in Winona, MN. Jim was born on November 12, 1939, in Utica Township on the family farm. Jim attended grade school and high school in St. Charles, MN where he received his high school diploma. Jim loved working on the family farm and was blessed to have four siblings who demonstrated great love for each other and the family. Jim loved to share stories about his parents and his siblings’ shenanigans on the farm.

After high school, Jim worked for the Elba Creamery as a milk hauler. Jim eventually met his wife Kathleen Selke, and they married in 1963. Jim and Kathy had four children, Todd, Scott, Karie, and Heidi. Jim and Kathy moved to Stockton, MN and lived there for several years until they moved to Goodview, MN. Jim and Kathy eventually built their own home in Goodview in 1985 and lived in the home until 2024. Jim started his career in Winona as a custodian for St. Mary’s school until he took a job with the Winona Public School District #861, where he worked for over thirty years eventually becoming the assistant superintendent of maintenance and grounds until his retirement from the school district. Jim was a member of the National Association of Power Engineers where he served a term as the president of the organization. Jim was an extremely hard worker and did everything he could to provide for his family. Jim also started his own commercial cleaning business and ran that operation for almost 30 years. Jim took great pride in his work and always gave his best.

Jim was very involved in the church throughout his life. Jim played dart ball with the church league, was a member of a bowling league, and served as an usher at church. Jim and Kathy served many years with the Goodview Activity Group where Jim took responsibility for the horseshoe tournament and would often bring home first place trophies. Jim and Kathy enjoyed dancing to country music, taking trips to the casino, and watching the Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Viking. Jim loved his summer fishing trips to Northern Minnesota with his buddies. Jim was proud of his Irish heritage and displayed it proudly. At times, he was mistaken for a leprechaun!

Jim was a man of faith, was known for having a smile for everyone, and possessed the unwavering ability to see the best in others. Jim never spoke poorly of others even when he was overlooked for opportunities or treated unfairly. Jim’s faith assisted him through very difficult times, especially with the deaths of two of his children, two grandchildren, and his beloved wife. Jim continued to live his faith throughout his life giving his time and resources to assist others in need.

In 2022, Jim lost the love of his life, Kathy, after 59 years of marriage. Despite this loss, Jim found a way to continue and find meaning in the simple things in life. At the time of Jim’s death, he was not ready to pass. He loved life to its fullest and was making plans for his future.

Jim is preceded in death by his wife Kathleen; parents, Beatrice and Henry Connaughty, brothers Roger Connaughty and Ronald Connaughty; children Scott Connaughty and Karie Connaughty, and grandchildren Jason Limestahl and Macie Connaughty.

Jim is survived by his son, Todd Connaughty (Ralph Smith), Heidi Stevens (Jason), Grandchildren Megan Cogswell (Shawn Lemke), Andrew Connaughty, Kyle Limestahl (Emaly Sauers), Ryan Connaughty (Sara Smith), Joey Poolo, Zachary Connaughty, Moira Hengel (Joe), Parker Connaughty (Emily Kauffman), Jani Rae Poolo (Tyler Nascak), and Mara Clark (Dale); great-grandchildren Dayton Lemke, Ensley Hengel, Willow Burks-Connaughty, Izabella Mozier, and Finn and Oliver Connaughty. Jim is also survived by his sisters Sharon Ruhberg (Jim), and Pattie Potter (Doug) and many extended family members and friends.

Services will be held on Friday, May 30 at the Hoff Celebration of Life Center with Pastor William Flesch officiating. Visitation is from 4PM-5PM, Service from 5PM-6PM, and a luncheon served immediately after.

The Connaughty Family would like to express their gratitude and appreciation for the Winona Health Hospice Staff and to the staff of Sugar Loaf Senior Living. The compassion and care for Jim carried the family through this difficult time as Jim slowly transitioned to his new life. Thank you, also, to the Hoff Celebration of Life Center Staff (Grace Hartley) and Pastor Flesch, who was a friend to Jim for many years.

Hoff Celebration of Life Center is assisting the family.