Born: April 4, 1951 - Deceased: November 23, 2022
John Thomas Connors, 71, of Belleville, IL, was born and raised in East St. Louis, IL on April 4, 1951. Johnny passed away on Wednesday, November 23, 2022 at his home with his family by his side.
There are not enough words to adequately describe the life of Johnny Connors. He was a father, brother, grandfather, friend, businessman, and so much more. Early in his career, Johnny found himself putting on and running a professional tennis tournament at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. It was there that he would find his passion for gaming, soaking up all the knowledge that he could from all of the different connections that he would meet and make. Johnny would then go on to revolutionize the gaming industry by utilizing his knowledge to open the first ever river boat casino with an unrestricted license, the Alton Belle, which went on to become Argosy Gaming.
After many casinos, tennis clubs, and other business ventures later, Johnny’s life and passion came full circle back to tennis, as it always does in the Connors family. Johnny could no longer ignore his love for tennis and calling to share it with others. Doing so allowed him to impact the lives of many, especially that of the various children from the surrounding communities. Johnny realized rather quickly that he most enjoyed teaching the game of tennis to the kids, just as his mother and grandmother did for he and his brother. But the truth is, he most enjoyed teaching those who were willing to work hard and put in the effort.
The largest legacy left behind and quite possibly what will be cherished the most is the award winning personality that Johnny Connors possessed. Even when times got tough, he would calmly, yet confidently, say “you have to play the hand you’re dealt and keep swinging.” He had a smile that was contagious and a way with people like no one you’ve ever seen before. His ability to tell a story was second to none and he treated everybody the same, as if all were one. He had this thing, this energy, that is very difficult to put into words because so very few people have it, but simply put, Johnny Connors was a force.
Johnny was proceeded in death by his parents, James J. and Gloria F. Connors (nee, Thompson)
His memory will be carried on by his family, which include, Lynn Connors (nee, Whitehead), daughter, Carli S. Connors, twin boys, John T. Connors Jr. and James J. Connors. Also surviving is his brother Jimmy (Patti) Connors, grandson Giovanni J. Connors, mother-in-law, brothers & sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless number of dear friends.
Memorials: Memorials may be made to O’Fallon Township High School Tennis Program in O’Fallon, IL.
Visitation: Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Friday, December 9, 2022 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL.
Church Visitation: Visitation will also be held on Saturday December 10, 2022 from 9:00 am – 10:00 am at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Belleville, IL.
Services: Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, December 10, 2022 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Belleville, IL, with Rev. Kenneth York officiating.
30 Comments
I love you, Dad! I love you so much my heart hurts not seeing or talking to you every day! But I know you’ll always be with me! Xoxo
I love and cherish you both, loved all the years living side by side, and loved hearing “Hey, Em!” When I would see you all over Belleville ❤️
He was a great teacher and fun to be around. May he rest in peace!
Carli and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers for you all during this very difficult time. Love you Carlie. 🙏💔
I cannot say enough about Johnny. Our Greatest Neighbors for 7 or so years Johnny and Lynn and our kids grew up together! He was always a regular guy and always stopped to shoot the breeze when we hooked up wherever. Carli John James you had a Special Dad. Took me awhile to write this. Loved him from day 1 !!!!
Sympathies to All of John’s family and his large circle of friends – not sure I am a better man for knowing Johnny but it sure made it more fun!
RIP, my friend!
My thoughts and prayers are w/you and your’s!! Kimberly Williams Fernandez
A precious memory we have would be John instructing our Granddaughter Reese Kasper. Two years ago she came to Belleville from Minnesota. The summer was her chance to learn the sport of tennis, before her Highschool started in September. A Freshmen who Coach Keefe started with catching a tennis ball. A few lessons in and we were sent to O’Fallon for the magic touch of Johnny Connors. What a privilege .She has talent and love for his sport. What a smile he had to share. Thank you and prayers to celebrate he is restored in heaven now. Sincerely Bill and Ginger Bourn.
I am heartbroken, what a great man and wonderful friend. My most sincere and heartfelt condolences to a wonderful family.
My deep sympathy to Carli, James, John Jr., Patti, Jimmy, His Cousins, Nieces and Nephews. Not forgetting his multitude of Friends! He was truly an affable Man. The Irish have a name for Men like that, And this what they say!
“He was a Beautiful Man”, and so He was, and will be forever!
Johnny Connors, may you rest in eternal peace. Larger than life, always friendly with a smile that made you feel special. You will be remembered and missed. So many great memories from King’s Point.
The Csernak Family
Zsazsa, Laszlo and Lidia
Sending our sympathies on the passing of Johnny. Our memories of him are plentiful and May your own memories bring comfort to his family. God speed Johnny.
I had some very memorable times with Johnny watching him climb strip mining hills and falling from the crest of the hill and toppling all the way back down and Johnny and me driving a old corvette out of control sitting on plastic lawn chairs and to stupid to turn the key to shut the motor off before we almost crashed at a high speed GOD please take this good man home
Carli and family, we are heartbroken for your loss. Your father was such a nice man. I will always remember his smile and calm demeanor. May he rest in peace.
Johnny’s happy demeanor will be so missed! He adored his family and it showed in his smile!
I’ll miss the “Hi Bethie” “Hi Johnny” 3 counts down at St. Clair Tennis every Thursday.
His Buddy, A.T., Is showing him the way around the heavens!
May he Rest In Peace. ❤️
Carli and family,
We always enjoyed your dad’s stories and watching him eat his triple cheeseburgers, fries and a diet coke at Steak and Shake, after all the sporting events! We will cherish the fond memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Tom, Judy and Mallory
Please accept our deep sympathies.
From the Entire winter Family ….
I’m so sorry for your loss! He was such an awesome gentleman! “May The Perpetual Light Shine Upon Him” May He Rest In Peace! Amen! Mary, Jack, & Brent Oesterle Kirkwood, Missouri
So sorry to hear of Johnny’s passing. What a guy! My deepest sympathy goes out to Johnny’s family. I am so grateful for the sheer joy that I have for playing tennis. Johnny created an atmosphere where we could all improve. The area will miss his expertise. One in a million for sure.
A great man and a great friend to many–he will be missed by all who knew him, He taught me and my son how to play craps at a Sigma Chi party at Mizzou. RIP
Johnny, the Malone Management team express our sincere condolences in the passing of your dad. Our prayers are with you and your family as you go through this difficult time. May God grant you peace and comfort in your wonderful memories.
Kim Potts
Dearest Lynnie, Carli, John and James,
I am so terribly sorry for your loss. He was such a great guy. Although I was only with him a few times, he was always generous, funny and just a joy to be around. He will be missed, my prayers are with you all at this time. XO Amy Howe
My thoughts and prayers are with the Connors family. Johnny will be deeply missed.
I’m so sorry for your loss Carli, John and James. Johnny was my tennis instructor since the age of 8. He was always pushing me to become a better player for so many years. No matter how hot it was that day on the court or how tired I was he never let me give up. It could be 110 degrees out there and he always had to have his Diet Coke after a lesson (Always making me laugh). I will always remember the great times we had. My family and I are praying for all of you.
John, with your passing I think of our childhood fun, and in recent years friendly conversations at breakfast club meetings with the fellas. There are in the memories of the early years in the old neighborhood and through St. Philip’s, the times we have enjoyed, you, me and our brothers. And, more lately the breakfast gatherings: catching-up, sharing stories, cutting-up and enjoying the company of the fellas and friends in attendance. I feel the loss of your passing. Rest in peace John. Gary
I knew Johnny and his brother Jimmy going back to the 50’s and early 60’s at St. Phillip Grade School where they played tennis regularly with Father Fournie. Johnny went on to become a successful businessman and tennis instructor. Although I was 2 years older he always went out of his way to say hello to me and my wife. Later he would become a neighbor of our’s in Swansea and he would always honk and wave as he passed our house. Now we live in O’Fallon and would frequently see Johnny at the bank or one of the local restaurants. Most recently we even discussed having him give our granddaughter private tennis lessons. He always had the greatest smile. He will be missed by everyone.
My condolences to Johnny’s Family. He was a great guy, mentor, and inspired my son, Adam to believe in himself and reach his dreams in playing and coaching college tennis. I will miss his smile that made me feel special. Johnny, rest in peace my friend.
My deepest condolences to the Connors family on the passing of Johnny Connors, a Belleville tennis treasure. Some of my most enjoyable tennis moments were on the courts at Kings Point, a creative vision of a true tennis visionary! Rest In Peace, Johnny
Deepest sympathy to Lynn and to all of Johnny’s family. Johnny’s extended “tennis family” will miss him dearly. Always with a smile on his face and encouraging words, Johnny’s love of life was contagious. May he rest in peace.
My deepest sympathies go out to the Connors family. John will be sadly missed as he touched so many people’s lives. He had a personality that was larger than life and a smile that could light up a room! He will forever be in the hearts of everyone who knew him. Rest in peace Johnny