Michael James “Jim” Connolly, 80, of Quincy, formerly of Dorchester and South Dennis, died at Quincy Medical Center, Quincy, Sunday January 30, 2011.

Born and raised in Dorchester, Jim graduated from English High School and joined the US Air Force. Upon his return from the service in 1956, Jim went to work for The New England Telephone and Telegraph Company and he was employed there until his retirement 37 years later.

Jim was involved in St. Brendan’s Cub Scouts in Dorchester where he received the Silver Beaver Award for his volunteer efforts. He also was a volunteer manager for St. Ann Church’s Junior Band in the Neponset section of Dorchester for many years.

Jim served on the Board of Directors for Project Hope, a charity run by the Little Sisters of the Assumption in Boston. Project Hope provides shelter, low-income housing and a food pantry.

After his retirement from the telephone company, Jim moved to South Dennis in Cape Cod for 11 years where he was a member of the Irish American Club.

Beloved husband of the late Delorise (Spencer) Connolly. Father of Mark Connolly and his wife Roberta of Waltham, Eileen L. Connolly of Quincy and the late Patricia Scoville. Father-in-law of Shawn Scoville and grandfather of Michael and Kristen Scoville, all of Norwell. Brother of Father Mark Connolly of Stamford, CT and the late Mary Martin, Francis Connolly, and Kathleen McLaughlin. Uncle of William and James McLaughlin and Claire and John Martin.

Funeral service at Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, MILTON, Friday February 4 at 11:00 AM. Relatives and friend invited. Visiting hours Thursday 4-8 PM. Interment Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree.

Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to Project Hope, c/o Little Sisters of the Assumption, 550 Dudley Street, Roxbury, MA 02119, Attn: Development Department.