Jim Connell, 75, North Carolina bluegrass bassist, passed away on June 2, 2026. Jim was a founding member of RC Harris & Blue Denim, who formed in 1972 and recorded three albums on Old Homestead Records. Jim left the band in 1978 and eventually relocated to Myrtle Beach. He returned to his roots in Statesville, NC almost two decades later and played with several regional bands. He joined NuHiWay, his last group, in 2012, and performed with them until he decided to return to the coast he loved so much in November 2025.
Here’s a Facebook post from Jim himself in November 2025 about a musical life choice he made:
“It is with some sadness that I announce my retirement from NuHiWay. It’s been a great run, and a lot of fun, these past 12 or 13 years, but for me it’s coming to an end. There are many people that I have to thank for being a part of this amazing bluegrass journey. But first and foremost, my heartfelt thanks go out to NuHiWay founder and leader, Joe Mahaffey. Our musical journey goes back all the way to 1972, when we both became charter members of the group Blue Denim with RC Harris and the Wiles brothers, Darel and Wendell. Of the five of us, Joe and I are the only two surviving today.
Joe brought me into NuHiWay in 2012, after I spent almost 18 years in Myrtle Beach. He is my brother in music, my brother-in-law in life, and most importantly, my brother in Christ. A number of great musicians have passed through NuHiWay over the years. But, the one constant and steadying influence has been Tom Isenhour on mandolin, one of the best players this area has ever produced, and in bluegrass period. Thanks, Tom, for your influence.
I want to thank my current bandmates, Rick Lowe on fiddle, and our newest addition, Will Hutchens on banjo. It’s a blessing to have Rick as long time friend, and a joy to have welcomed Will into the fold. There are two others who were with the band for long term stints and certainly deserve my gratitude. Randy Smith, who was with NuHiWay on banjo for many years, and Keith Dunn, who worked with us on fiddle, as well as lead and tenor vocals. I’m so thankful to have worked and traveled with such fine musicians and great friends.
Another friend, and someone who has graced the area bluegrass scene for years now, will be taking over my spot on bass, Ricky Naylor. Please welcome Ricky to NuHiWay, as I know he will do a fine job with Joe, Tom, Rick, and Will. Certainly not the least of the bunch, I want to thank our Road Manager, Jeff Clark, for handling the ‘heavy’ job of loading, unloading, and setting up my bass, and doing the same for all of our equipment. I couldn’t have done it without Jeff, especially over the last year or so. He has made life on the road much easier for us all.
Finally, thanks to ToniAnn Haden, who has joined with NuHiWay, developing and managing our merchandise, and who will now be taking over for me in managing our Facebook Band Page. Soon, I’ll be moving to coastal North Carolina, back to the sand, surf and seafood that I love. God bless you all, and ‘Thanks for the memories.'”
His band mates expressed their sorrow at his recent passing.
ToniAnn Haden, NuHiway administrator, said…
“With heavy hearts, we share that our dear friend and brother, Jim Connell, has gone home to be with the Lord.
Jim was an important part of the NuHiWay family for many years. He wasn’t just our bass player—he was our friend, our encourager, and a faithful servant of God. His love for music, his dedication to the ministry, and his kind spirit touched countless lives.
Our hearts ache for his family during this difficult time, and we ask everyone to keep them lifted in prayer in the days ahead.
To our fans and friends, thank you for loving and supporting Jim through the years. Many of you shared stages, conversations, laughter, and worship experiences with him. We know you will miss him as much as we will.
While we grieve his absence, we rejoice in knowing that Jim is healed, whole, and in the presence of the Savior he faithfully sang about. The memories he leaves behind and the impact he made on so many lives will never be forgotten.
As a band, we will carry on the ministry that Jim loved so much. Though his place can never be filled, his legacy will continue to travel with us in every song we sing and every message we share.
Until we meet again, Jim, thank you for the music, the friendship, and the example of faith. We love you and we will miss you dearly. ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. (Matthew 25:23).”
Longtime friend and band mate, Joe McHaffey, shared…
“I met Jim when I was nine years old and he was six. We grew up together. Our friendship endured through out our lives. We survived fast cars and motorcycles. He was my brother-in-law for a good number of years. We began our bluegrass adventures in 1970, learning the mechanics of the genre. His public music career began with the formation of Blue Denim by RC Harris. And the rest, as they say, is history.”
Tom Isenhour picked with Jim in NuHiway.
“For almost 20 years, Jim was the bass player/singer in NuHiWay of North Carolina. We traveled 1,000s of miles together to do bluegrass and gospel shows. Jim goes back to the ’70s in bluegrass music, having been a member of Blue Denim with RC Harris. He had lots of stories to tell about those big festivals they did back then.
Jim loved bluegrass music and always kept it going in his car when we traveled. He was always searching for new songs for NuHiWay. Jim always had my back with a steady bass beat which made it easier on me for the mandolin chop and to perform my breaks. Jim retired from the band late last year and moved out to the NC coast area. We sure miss him and think about him as NuHiWay continues on.”
Keith Souther stated,…
“I’ve picked with Jim and jammed with him multiple times over the past years. He was always ready to play and was fun to be around: great bassist and very good baritone singer. Best of all, I remember him as a good Christian. He will be missed by everyone who knew him. Rest in peace, my dear friend.”
Vivian Pennington Hopkins, former NC Bluegrass Association President, shared…
“Jim was always so kind and was a great musician and long-time family friend. Whenever he knew I would be attending a NuHiway show, he always added My Cabin in Caroline to the set list to pay tribute to my dad. He will be sorely missed in our bluegrass family.”
NuHiWay played June 5 at Oak Park Retirement, one of Jim’s favorite venues.
ToniAnn shared, “We honor his legacy by carrying on the music he loved so much.”
A beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, a celebration of life will be held on July 10 at New Hope Baptist Church, 149 New Hope Road, Statesville, NC, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
R.I.P., Jim Connell.
