Jim Conner (C) makes the rounds after arriving to the surprise retirement party in his honor. Here, he is congratulated by former American Yarn Spinners Association presidents Mark Kent (L), president and CEO of The Kent Manufacturing Co., Pickens, SC, and Andy Warlick, president and COO of Parkdale Mills, Gastonia, NC, as Mary O’Rourke, co-founder and managing director of the Jassin-O’Rourke Group, New York City, looks on. Photos by Devin Steele

After being asked to put on a boat captain’s hat and a sweatshirt bearing the words “Captain In Training,” Jim Conner took his place on the “hot seat,” a director’s chair, as industry colleagues and fellow staff members took turns saluting the retiring 30-year AYSA executive vice president. Here, longtime administrative assistant Lillian Link has just finished toasting her former boss.

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Week of January 6, 2003

Retirement party for AYSA’s Jim Conner

Jim Conner (R) joins his family members on hand for the party, including (L-R) his brother Tommy Conner and sister-in-law Sherry Conner; and his wife Wanda. His brother surprised him not only with his presence, but also with a touching song about his sibling that he wrote and performed.

Among dozens of guests were (L-R) Dan Nation of Parkdale Mills, Gastonia, NC, and Russell Mims and David Sasso, both of Buhler Quality Yarns, Jefferson, GA.