'His kindness, intelligence and gentle Irish humour will be greatly missed by friends, family and colleagues'

Prof O’Connell was Professor of Peace Studies at the University of Bradford from 1978-93 during which time he built up a highly-respected academic department. He was also a frequent television and radio contributor on issues of international conflict resolution.

Prof O’Connell died peacefully in his sleep on September 8. He had been diagnosed with metastatic bowel cancer just three weeks prior to his death and suffered only a short period of illness.

Prof O’Connell, originally from Cork in Ireland, and his wife Rosemary lived in Ben Rhydding for almost 30 years and their four children went to local schools. Professor and Mrs O’Connell moved to London last year to be nearer to their family.

In addition to his work at the University, Prof O’Connell took an active part in Ilkley life. He was a member of the Ilkley Labour Party for many years and was a long-serving governor at Ashlands School. He was also a valued member of the St John Fisher & St Thomas More Catholic Church in Burley.

His kindness, intelligence and gentle Irish humour will be greatly missed by friends, family and colleagues.

Prof O’Connell is survived by his wife, four children and three grandchildren.

A funeral mass will be held at 1.30pm on Monday at City of London Cemetery, London. Enquiries should be addressed to his daughter Sheila Fox at sheila_fox@rocketmail.com.

Donations welcome in lieu of flowers to WaterAid or St Joseph’s Hospice.

Online memorial and donations pages at: justgiving. com/jamesmoconnell and justgiving.com/jamesmoconnell wateraid.