John Cain Connally
August 3, 1945 - October 1, 2024
Obituary
John Cain Connally (affectionately known as JC or J) was born on August 3, 1945, to Montcue and Maxine (Ruffin) Connally in McKinney, Texas. John was the sixth of eight children (Montcue Jr., Mary Magdalene, Tommie Lee, Martha Ruth, Mattie Leola, Dovie Mae and Vernon Ray).
The family in 1954 left the farm life in McKinney, Texas and moved to the Pacific Northwest to Seattle, Washington. John graduated from Garfield High School in 1963 and enlisted in the U.S. Army. Following his service to his country he returned to Seattle and studied Political Science at Central Washington University and studied Philosophy and Racial Conflict at the University of Washington.
In his twenties John accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior and everything in his life took a back seat to his relationship with the Lord. He traveled extensively throughout the United States and Mexico doing evangelistic crusades with his brother-in-law Abraham Ybarra and his sister Martha (Connally) Ybarra.
In 1976 he founded and directed the Evangelistic Crusade Outreach Inc in Iowa. He supervised volunteers in the feeding, clothing, providing appliances and other types of assistance to the poor. During this time, he was interviewed for his efforts assisting in the community by the Des Moines Register and Tribune. He was also fortunate enough to conduct a program on cable TV.
Over the course of his working years, he was a heavy equipment operator and also worked as a Transit Operator for Metro Transit back in Seattle from which he eventually retired. He also developed throughout his years a great proficiency in the computer science field. He excelled in DOS, HTML, Hard Drive formatting and restoration, and webpage design. He mastered and received certifications in all of the Microsoft programs.
John’s hobbies (loved and heartfelt hobbies) were his music and his art. He loved singing and songwriting, and he played the piano very well. He also painted (water color) and has a blog (jcsnewpaintings.blogspot.com/?m=1) where his artwork can be found.
Though in his youth the family moved to the big city (Seattle), John always loved his humble beginnings on the farm in Texas. John upon his retirement purchased a great amount of land in Clarkesville, Texas and started a post-retirement career of ranching. John enjoyed raising and breeding cattle and did so for several years. He fulfilled his dream to return to the land of his youth.
On October 1, 2024, John was called home. He leaves behind 3 siblings (Tommie Lee Connally, Dovie Mae Connally and Vernon Ray Connally). He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews, his loving church family and many friends.
My sincere condolences, Dovey and family
My Cousin “J”
The bond between “J” and myself cannot be broken.
You see, “J” came into this world on my Mother’s (Arizona Maedell Ruffin-Haddix-Vanison) birthdate of August 3, 1915. Thirty years later, “J” arrived on August 3, 1945. “J” and his Aunt Zonie had a unique, loving, and close relationship.
Another interesting fact about our connection is that “J” transitioned from this world on my birthdate, October 1, 2024. “J” was 1 year older than me.
I will always have a special place for “J.”
Oh sure, I will miss his presence, but I know that his spirit will be with me forever.
Family, I love you all. Take care and know that “J’s” presence and love blessed us.
Vernice L. Haddix
(Dr. V)