Joe Connolly

I worked several odd jobs right out of OGHS before working on the docks at John Morrell for 11 years. I somehow worked it so I had about 13 weeks per year to travel (unfortunately not all was paid), this inspired me to retire at age 30. Upon leaving Morrells in 1984 I volunteered working with troubled children at a group home outside St. Louis for 8 months, it was a very demanding job emotionally.

After that I decided to move on to the Colorado ski country where I lived from 1985-1991. I worked for Copper Mountain Ski Corp. for 2.5 seasons in the lift department. Then worked with a couple airport shuttle transportation companies between Summit County & Denver. I began as a driver and ended as the operation manager before moving back to Sioux Falls in 1991. Since my dad’s death in 1990, I had felt the need to return home.

I found employment with Jack Rabbit Bus Lines, starting at the ticket counter before moving over to the tour department. My main duty was setting up Sports & Entertainment tours. (My 15 minutes of “fame” came doing TV commercials for Jack Rabbit Tours). On the side I worked part time for United Airlines seasonally. I spent 9 years living with my mom as she battled cancer before passing in 2000.

My life took a drastic change as I made a connection with Pam at a wedding, she captured my heart (quite the story). Only thing is, she lived in Texas. So I resettled in Texas outside San Antonio from 2004-2018. In 2007 we fostered 3 siblings from New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. We traveled as much as possible, opening their eyes to what they could achieve. The last one left us in 2012, all have completed college with the oldest receiving his Masters degree in Business.

We decided to move to Georgetown, TX in 2018 to be closer to Pam’s daughter in Austin.. Together we have traveled extensively until 2020 reared its ugly head. We, like so many have hunkered down for the long haul, hoping that truly an end is in sight. Wishing I could join y’all in September but, as a senior citizen I have to take orders from my doctors so I can stay healthy.