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
Our “Newman” family was blessed to have Uncle Jim and Aunt Joan Conway, as well as their children, as our relatives. We are grateful for all the cherished memories!
Uncle Jim’s family is in our hearts and minds as they grieve his passing from this life.
On behalf of the family of the late Anthony & Eileen Slay {nee Forkan} from the ole neighborhood where our families were once neighbors on Flora Place, parishioners together at St. Margaret of Scotland Church, fellow classmates at St. Margaret’s Grade School, and forever friends all the while, please accept our most heartfelt sympathy for your family’s loss and know too that we share in your sorrow and grieve for your loss.
So many good and fond memories of the Conway family, due in part to both families sharing the same commitment to the successful future of this city, and then there was the Irish connection between your mother and ours. We will forever cherish your family’s friendship that has blessed us for so many years, and will remember your father, as we do your mother, in our daily prayers to St. Patrick.
Lastly, choose not to dwell on the sadness of your parents passing, but rather on the joy of their life and the happiness they brought into yours.
danny/
My deepest condolences to the family of The Honorable James Conway. I met Mayor Conway when I was a youngster and he was kind, considerate and thoughtful. Mayor Conway gave me a St. Louis Christmas album that I play every Christmas morning.
Slumber in Peace…
Uncle Jim, yours was a life very well lived in love, integrity and service to others. You will be greatly missed. Love and peace to all of the Conways.
Mr. Jim Conway was a good neighbor and a great Mayor of St. Louis City. The Alt family sends their condolences to his children. We will remember him fondly.
MAY GOD, GRANT YOUR FAMILY PEACE DURING YOUR TIME OF MOURNING.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTING.
I knew Jim Conway before he was our Mayor and I worked at City Hall during his time in office. He was always kind, friendly and a true gentleman.
RIP and may God watch over his family and friends.
Steve, although it has been 50+ years, I wanted to extend my deepest condolences on the passing of your father and your mother. 2025 has not been kind to you and your family. I hope the beautiful memories you shared with them support you during this grieving time.
Looking back over the years, the highlight of my professional life was serving as campaign manager of Jim’s 1977 campaign for Mayor, then as his Chief of Staff. With a wry sense of humor that made even the dullest meetings entertaining, he was a joy to work for and with. He had a clear vision of what needed to be done to make the city an even better place to live, work and do business…and he did it. His passing is a loss for the city, family and friends. May he rest in peace.