Birth date: Sep 2, 1947 Death date: Jun 2, 2026
Cornelius lost one of its true local treasures the morning of June 2nd, 2026. US Navy Veteran, former tennis and volleyball extraordinaire, and the unofficial official Town of Cornelius photographer and historian, James Conard, Read Obituary
John and I were privileged to have met up with Jack and his mother a couple of times when we went out to eat at Cornelius restaurants that have since closed. One time he shared some photographs he had taken. Another time was a Thanksgiving Day at a long- time local place at Shops on the Green. Maybe its name was COOK HOUSE. I was also glad that we were able to contribute to Jack's supply of firewood that Phillip Darnell generously cut and then delivered to Jack from fallen branches surrounding our former Pine Street house.
Everyone knows Jack loved all things Cornelius. My friendship with Jack began when I was a staff member supporting historic preservation, about 20 years ago. I learned so much from Jack, especially when we developed the original Conard Collection exhibit at Oak Street Mill. A huge turnout over 3 weeks, including students from Cornelius Elementary. Jack was in his element! (And he loved using exclamation points!) A few years later we moved a large portion of the exhibit to Town Hall where it remains today for everyone to enjoy & learn what Jack devoted his life to. Jack was an original and will be deeply missed.
