James Martin Connolly

James Martin Connolly, 77, of Indianapolis, passed away peacefully on Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25, 2025, at IU North Hospital.

Jim was born on February 5, 1948, in St. Petersburg, Florida, to the late John Francis and Ethel (Fleming) Connolly.

Faith and Family were central to Jim’s life. Jim met Gina at St. Alphonsus Church as he attended many Masses and Gina was the organist/pianist. St. Alphonsus was the cornerstone of their 32-year marriage. Without ever being asked, he always had her car ready to go whether in the heat of summer or the cold of winter.  With the same commitment over the years, many family members worked alongside him, something he truly loved.

Outside of work, Jim had a lifelong passion for cars, especially Corvettes, and could take them apart and put them back together with ease. He enjoyed teaching his step-grandchildren how to work on cars and rebuild or repair computers.  He also will be remembered for his dry wry humor in telling his Irish family stories.  He dearly loved his Irish heritage, his family and had a close relationship with his sister, Pat. 

Two of his is favorite passages in the Bible that he lived by were, “A friend loveth at all times.” Proverbs 17:17 and “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.” Proverbs 22:1

Jim dedicated his life to innovation and service in diagnostic healthcare. While earning his degree in Medical Technology, he worked in hospital laboratories and conducted research at the National Institutes of Health, where he was mentored by renowned biochemist Dr. Florence Siebert, an influence that helped shape the direction of his career.

He began his industry career with Boehringer Mannheim (now Roche), advancing from Technical Support into Sales and Marketing roles. A promotion to Sales Manager with Seradyn led him to Zionsville, Indiana. Jim later held management positions with Macbeth and served in an executive role with Kingston Diagnostics. He co-founded BCD Engineering and consulted with many of the leading diagnostic companies, working alongside pioneers of clinical chemistry.

Jim was the Founder and CEO of Polymer Technology Systems (PTS Diagnostics), which was later sold to Sinocare. Under his leadership, the company developed finger-stick blood testing products now sold in more than 100 countries. His work resulted in patented technologies and 14 FDA 510(k) clearances during his tenure.

He later founded and served as CEO of InterVention Diagnostics (IVD). Jim held nine U.S. patents and seven international patents for electrochemical sensor devices used to measure blood analytes critical to the diagnosis and management of diabetes, its complications, and general chemistry testing—all requiring only very small blood samples.

Though his professional accomplishments were vast, Jim was a remarkably modest man who rarely spoke about his achievements. He was a visionary in diagnostic healthcare, particularly in diabetes, driven by a deep desire to help people and improve the world. Focused, determined, and tireless.

Jim will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, clever humor, and playful love of jokes, as well as for the meaningful impact of his life’s work.

He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Giannina L. (Lombardo) Hofmeister; sisters, Cathy (Larry) Eichelberger and Patricia Connolly; step-children, Carter Allan (Eve) Hofmeister and Virginia Emily (Devon) Russell; niece, Amanda (Mo) Carver; nephew, Christopher (Ann) Eichelberger; fifteen step-grandchildren; and eighteen step-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ethel Connolly, and his step-son, James Ramsay Hofmeister.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 6, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Alphonsus Liguori Roman Catholic Church, 1870 W. Oak Street, Zionsville, Indiana. Those wishing to pray the Rosary with the family are invited to the church at 9:45 a.m., with visitation following from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Alphonsus Liguori Roman Catholic Church, 1870 W. Oak Street, Zionsville, IN 46077 and/or masses for James M. Connolly. Envelopes will be provided at the church.  

To share a favorite memory or sign the online guest book, please visit www.LauckFuneralHome.com.  Services and care are entrusted to Lauck & Veldhof Funeral Home, Indianapolis.

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