06/09/2026
📷 A picture is worth 1000 words.
Cornelius lost a legend this week • James Edward Conard Jr. passed peacefully the morning of June 02, 2026 at age 78.
Jack was known as the town historian due to his extensive photo collection and the countless stories he documented throughout the years.
But to most, he was known simply as a friend.
While his photographs preserved the memories of our town, it was the way he treated people that left the greatest impression.
If true kindness had an illustration in the dictionary, there would be a picture of Jack’s eyes.
If selfless compassion had a tone, it would be the sound of Jack’s voice.
As Maya Angelou famously said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
And Jack made us feel loved.
For that, he will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever woven into the story of our history.
Celebration of Life • Saturday June 20 • 11:30am-4pm
• Gather outside • US Navy Ceremony 12pm 🇺🇸 •
• Celebration and meal indoors of Legion Hall to follow •
📍American Legion Post 86
21215 Legion St
Jam for Jack • Sunday July 12 • 4-9pm
• Calling all musicians and music lovers 🎶 for a benefit concert and get-together • bring a covered dish•
• proceeds to be donated to Cornelius History Museum for a permanent Conard Collection exhibit •
📍Old Town Event Center
19725 Oak St, Suite 3
