The Boston College collection of James B. Connolly includes correspondence, newspaper clippings, publications, and writings by and about Connolly.

Correspondence includes communications with Connolly's literary agent, James A. Healy, regarding the placement of Connolly's work in libraries. Additional correspondence includes letters to Father Terence Connolly of Boston College regarding Limelight magazine.

Newspaper clippings primarily document the life of Connolly, from his rise to local fame through his participation in the Olympics and to his death. Various book reviews treat Connolly's professional experience as an author and often include brief biographical sketches. Other clippings include research done on Howard Blackburn, a fisherman from Gloucester, Massachusetts. This file consists of a reprint of Blackburn’s autobiography edited by Connolly and reviews of a similar book written by Joseph Garland.

Additional materials include a biography Connolly wrote of his mother and grandmother, stories about his family, a notebook, and a photo of the diploma he was awarded at the Olympics.