James Vincent "Vince" McConnell, III

James Vincent “Vince” McConnell, III was born on November 6, 1965, in Munich, Germany. After a courageous battle against cancer, Vince passed into the loving arms of Jesus on June 22, 2026, with his family by his side.

Vince is survived by his cherished wife, Lynn McConnell, his much-loved stepchildren Christopher (Stephanie) Ives, Graham (Shell) Ives, MaryClair (Hayden) Stokes and Jackson Ives, his adorable grandsons Charlie, Graham, Henry, Hayes, Teddy and Turner, his brothers Mitch (Clare) McConnell, Stan (Anna) McConnell, Baker (Collin) McConnell, his maternal aunt and uncle, Courtney and Irene Trotter, his paternal uncle, Eddie McConnell, and his paternal aunt, Mary Lou Layden. Vince is preceded in death by his mother, Susan Trotter Cunningham, and his father, James Vincent McConnell, Jr.

Vince began his career as a fitness professional at Stearns International Tennis Academy in Largo, Florida in 1985. Vince returned to Fairhope and founded Eternally Transformed Fitness in 1989 offering a membership fitness facility and personal training. In 2006 Vince began to share his remarkable knowledge and training techniques with athletes of all ages and skill levels while continuing to assist individuals to reach their fitness goals with his slogan of “there’s an athlete in every body” leading him to transition the name of his business to McConnell Athletics. Since that time, he became known for taking equal pride in helping younger athletics who aspired to reach the next level as he did those who he trained that would later become first round draft picks.

As a speaker, guest commentator, columnist and author, Vince contributed substantially to the fitness industry, ultimately gaining the reputation of being one of the leading experts in fitness and athletics performance. His online presence is vast where he presented his messages of Christian inspiration and fitness principles.

Vince was blessed by the many friends and clients who visited and communicated with him following his diagnosis. Hearing countless stories of his spiritual and physical impact during his last days on earth comforted him and his family that his legacy will live on. “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23.

A Celebration of Vince’s Life will be held on Thursday July 2, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Rock Creek Golf Clubhouse Breezeway, 140 Clubhouse Drive Fairhope, Alabama.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Nick’s Kids Foundation, 1130 University Boulevard, Suite B9-201, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401 or online at https://www.nickskidsfoundation.org/donate.