James E. O'Connor, 79, of Owatonna, died Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at the VA Hospital in Minneapolis. He was born October 6, 1930 in Owatonna the son of Joseph and Ann (Rudy) O''Connor. He graduated from Owatonna High School in 1950. James served in the U.S Army during the Korean War, where he was injured and later received a purple heart. In 1956, James graduated from the Minnesota School of Business. On May 1, 1965, he married his wife, Rose Marie Mosher. James worked for Anderson roofing and sheet metal for five years. After 27 years as a custodian at Owatonna High School, he retired in 1994. James enjoyed watching Twins games on TV, braiding rugs, watching war movies, driving his red car, and spending time with family and his dog Raven. He is survived by his wife, Rose Marie; sons, Tom of Austin and Mike of Owatonna; daughter, Ann (Alden) Baumgartner of Owatonna; three grandsons, Brandyn, Brett, and Cody Baumgartner of Owatonna; two sisters, Jeanne (Ken) Russell of Cottage Grove and JoAnn (Roger) Pavek of Bloomington; sister-in-laws, Julie O'Connor of Little Rock, Arkansas and Betty Karow of Owatonna. James was preceeded in death by his parents; brother, Richard O'Connor; and brother-in-law, Louis Karow. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Tuesday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Funeral services will be held June 29, 2010 at 11:00 AM at Michaelson Funeral Home with Reverend Brent Carlson officiating. Interment will be in the Owatonna Memorial Gardens with honors provided by the Steele County Military Funeral Unit. Visitation: 06/29/2010 10:00 06/29/2010 11:00 Service: Owatonna 06/29/2010 11:00