Lester “LJ” James Connors, 68, of Fremont, OH passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 in Fremont. He was born on February 10, 1952 in Fremont, the son of Patrick J. and Carole (Warner) Connors. He was a 1971 graduate of Fremont Ross High School and studied Graphic Arts at Terra Community College.
L.J. Connors grew up around Fremont Speedway and spent many days of his youth in local racers garages. Later he also hand-lettered many race cars. L.J. jumped from being a crew member to getting behind the wheel in 1978, winning a feature his first season. L.J. claimed Fremont ’s Street Stock track championship in 1979 and 1981. In 1980 there were no points kept, but L.J. won 9 features driving for Bob and Bobby Sears. L.J. also won the track champion at McCutchenville Speedway in 1981. In 1987 he won the Trick or Treat 200 Enduro at Fremont by 14 laps. He ran several more endures around Ohio and Michigan, winning several. L.J. raced in Fremont ’s truck division in 1999. All total, L.J. scored 13 feature wins at Fremont Speedway. He was inducted into the Fremont Speedway Hall Of Fame in 2014.
LJ is survived by his son, Andrew (Kelsey) Connors, Titusville, FL; mother, Carole Keller, Fremont, OH; siblings, Vickie Snyder of Fremont and Kathy Arnold of Clyde, OH, Timothy Connors, Bonita Springs, FL and Reggie Schmidlin, Myrtle Beach, SC; grandchildren Jameson Connors, Bridget Bailey and Caleb Connors; three great-grandchildren and many loving cousins and friends who cared for him and about him.
He was preceded in death by his son, Craig Connors, father, Patrick J. Connors, grandparents Raymond & Ursula Lemon, and Lester James & Mary Connors.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Burial at Oakwood Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials can be made to The Village House, Fremont, OH.
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Tim & Linda Merrill
Tim, Sorry to hear about the loss of your Brother, L.J. R.I.P.
Jadlynne (Zahn) Moyer
Vickie & family ~
My sincere condolences. May God’s blessings & memories provide you all comfort & peace
Mari Kaiser Daugherty
Grew up with LJ and Vickie , so sad to hear of his passing . We all had a lot of fun when we were kids ! Rest in peace brother
Lauralee Wyss
Vicki and family and loved ones: I am so sorry for your loss. I hope in the days to come, you can find comfort, strength, and peace. Bless your hearts…
Carol A. Hoffman
Aunt Carole,
Please accept our condolences. Tim and I just found out today and we are sincerely sorry to hear. L.J. was always a favorite of mine. Love you.
Carol & Tim Hoffman
Bob & Roxanne Griffith-Wolfe
To LJ’s family, We got to know LJ from being our neighbor across the street. He was a character and was always very nice to us whenever we saw him! Our deepest sympathy and prayers for all of you. Cherish your memories!
Thomas l Blevins
To L J’s family,
Our prayers and deepest sympathy are with you during your time of sorrow. We will always remember the fun times with LJ. We know he is now at ease with Our Lord and Savior.
The crew of Late Model #27 (1971 – 1978)
Tom B. Al S. Bill Y. and Joe W
Stephen and Diane Young
Connors Family,
So sorry to read of LJ’s passing. Thoughts and prayers are with all of the Connors Family especially in this difficult no visitation time. It brought back many memories growing up on Birdseye Blvd with all of the families. Now I know LJ followed his dreams when growing up getting started racing the plastic cars on the dirt track LJ built in the garage. His car always had to be the best and was always detailed with paint and stickers and the number of his favorite Fremont Speedway driver. Now when I am back in Fremont I will visit the Fremont Speedway honors display.
Steve and Diane(Shriver) Young-we use to bully Diane and her sister when they played on Mrs. Longabough’s swing on the corner of Birdseye and Buchanan.
JOANNE M MCDOWELL
So very sorry Vickie and Carol. So hard tolose a sibling and son.
Thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Lorna McKinstry & John Lewis III
To LJ’s family,
Our hearts are broken with yours. .John was just going to call and check on LJ. We all grew up together and have many great memories. He will be missed. Our prayers are with you and we are praying for your comfort and peace. If you need us, We are only a phone call away.
Bill Burkett
Connors family….. Please accept my condolences in regards to LJ’s passing. My prayer is for the Lord to comfort each of you during this difficult time.
Sharon Fisher
I was sorry to hear about LJ’s passing. I remember him as being a funny guy in high school.
Sharon McCready Fisher
Atlanta