Former Mayor James F. (Jim) Conway passed away Tuesday, November 25th. Jim was born in 1932, the oldest of seven children of Charles and Amelia (nee Buchholz). He grew up in north St. Louis. His father Charles experienced piece work and layoffs during the Depression which led to him helping organize the UAW in St. Louis.
In 1955, Jim received an engineering degree from St. Louis University, married Joan Newman a few days before graduation and was drafted shortly after that. After serving in Colorado and Germany, they eventually moved to the Shaw neighborhood to raise their family.
In 1964 The Supreme Court ruled against state legislature seat allocation by county rather than population. The concept of “one man one vote” led to several new legislative districts being created in Missouri, including one in the Shaw neighborhood. In 1966, he was asked to run and won in a newly created state representative district.
During his eleven years in the state legislature and senate he introduced and got passed several pieces of historic legislation. One of his favorites was collaboration on the creation of the Zoo Museum Cultural District and introduction of the provision that the Zoo shall remain “forever free.” This provision contributes to bringing over 3 million people to the Zoo every year.
A second run for mayor in1977 with Gussie Busch as his honorary campaign chairman was successful. As Mayor, he focused on strengthening the city’s tax base, expanding neighborhood development, revitalizing housing and establishing sound management principles for city government. During his administration, St. Louis established Sister City relationships with Galway, Stuttgart and Nanjing, the first between the US and China. While Mayor, St. Louis hosted several noteworthy dignitaries including then President Carter and future King Charles.
After his mayoral term ended in 1981, Jim returned to his business but also remained an active civic leader. He served as a Trustee on the Board of Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State University) and was later appointed by Governor John Ashcroft to the St. Louis Police Board, ultimately serving as its President. Jim was appointed to the Metropolitan Zoological Park and Museum District, eventually becoming its chairman. He remained engaged in numerous civic organizations, including serving as President of Downtown Rotary.
His grandchildren will always recall their trips out West with grandma and grandpa, vacations in Florida as well as the holiday get togethers at their house. Mayor Conway was married to Joan for 70 years. They are survived by their children and their spouses: Mike (Sue), Steve (Christy), Diane (Kevin Hadler, dec’d), Matt (Mai) and Dan (Jeannine). He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren: Shaun, Jenna, Allison, Nick, Geoff, David, Michelle, Caitlin, Colleen and Clark; and by seven great grandchildren: Wesley, Shaylee, Wyatt, Theo, Dean, Dakota and Lucas.
Services: A visitation will be held on Thursday, December 4th, at Kutis Funeral Home (2906 Gravois, St. Louis, MO 63118) from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Funeral mass will be held at St. Margaret of Scotland Church (3854 Flad, St. Louis, MO 63110) on Friday, December 5th, at 10:00 am. Interment will be at Cavalry cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the St. Louis Zoo @ https://www.applyweb.com/public/contribute?s=stlzootr