Patrick James 'Jim' O'Connell, 74, of Hutchinson, died February 9, 2020, at Diversicare of Hutchinson.  He was born April 4, 1945, in Peoria, IL, the son of Larry and Mary (Mooney) O'Connell.

After attending school in Chanute, Jim graduated from Topeka Hayden High School in 1963. In 1967, Jim graduated from the University of Kansas with a BA degree in Sociology and Chemistry and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Immediately following graduation, he served for 2 years in the Peace Corps in Morocco and Micronesia as a medic and logistician.

Jim worked in marketing and sales management for Westin and Fairmont Hotels at some of the most famous hotels in the world, including the Mayflower in Washington D.C., the Fairmont in San Francisco, the Roosevelt in New Orleans, and the Westin Ilikai in Honolulu. In 1991, Jim retired from the hotel industry as Director of Sales, Weston Resorts Hawaii responsible for the Westin Kauai at Kauai Lagoons, the Westin Maui, and the Westin Mauna Kea.

Following a 3-year stint as Regional Sales Manager for NJA Publishing in San Diego, Jim returned in 1993 to Hutchinson to care for his ailing father. After the passing of his father, Jim made Hutchinson his home, where he was a member of the Church of the Holy Cross, Knights of Columbus Council #612, and the Hutchinson Bridge Club.

Jim's passion for bridge began when he was asked by his parents to fill-in when they needed a fourth at a table at neighborhood gatherings. Because his work in the hotel industry took him all over the globe, he made lifelong friends in the bridge world playing in international tournaments. At home, he mentored beginning players and was always willing to help any that asked. An apt student of the game, Jim achieved the American Contract Bridge League rank of Gold Life Master in 2002 and was approaching Diamond Life Master status at the time of his death.

Jim is survived by: brother, Mike O'Connell and partner, Sharon Puddington of Olathe; nephew, Michael O'Connell of Kansas City, MO; nieces, Jessica O'Connell O'Neil and her husband, Dan O'Neil of Cottonwood, AZ, and Mary O'Connell of Overland Park.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Cremation has taken place. Parish rosary will be 10 a.m. Saturday, February 29, 2020, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m., both at Church of the Holy Cross, 2631 Independence Rd., with Fathers Ned Blick and Michael Kerschen officiating.  Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at Elliott Mortuary. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday, February 28, at Elliott Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the church, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or Cause for Paws, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.