Born: January 10, 1945 - Deceased: March 17, 2021
James R. Neal, 76, of Belleville, IL, born Wednesday, January 10, 1945, in Bath, ME, passed away Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at his residence in Belleville, IL.
James was a Veteran with the United States Marines, serving from 1962 to 1966. He finished his career as an EMT for Abbott Ambulance Service in Belleville. Prior to that, he worked 15+ years as an EMT in Bangor, Maine. James had several professions in his life, from meat-cutter to re-upholstering furniture, but his greatest accomplishments included building his own home for his family, being a loving father & grandfather, and being married to his best friend and love of his life for almost 51 years.
He was preceded in death by his:
- Parents: Donald and Mildred, nee Bates, Neal
- Brothers
- Richard Neal
- Robert Neal
- David Neal
Surviving are his:
- Wife: Rella, nee Martin, Neal of Belleville, IL
- Son: Michael (Wendy) Neal of Belleville, IL
- Grandchildren
- Katherine and Daniel Neal
- Bryan and Scott Throgmorton
- Nephew and Nieces
- Robert Neal
- Tammy York
- Brenda Neal
- Many other dear nieces and nephews in Canada and the U.S.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. https://www.michaeljfox.org/
Memorial Gathering: Memorial Gathering will be held at 4:00 – 7:00 pm, Sunday, March 21, 2021 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville.
9 Comments
Mike,
My condolences on your loss. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. We always enjoyed seeing you dad when we were with you and Wendy. We will miss him too.
Ed
My condolences to you and your family.
Rella & family–I’m sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. My thoughts and good wishes are with you.
Eric Furry
Pro Libris Bookshop
Bangor, Maine
Rella, we are so sorry to hear. Prayers and thoughts to you and the family.
Jim and Jenn Bull
Rella , Mike, and Wendy your family will be in our prayers. IRella I will miss seeing you and Jim taking walks in the neighborhood. May God comfort you during this time of need.
Rella, I was saddened to read of Jim’s passing. Thinking of you and wishing you and your family comfort during this difficult time. I pray that your memories of the beautiful life you and Jim shared give you some peace. Hugs!
Dear Rella, So sorry about Jim, but you know he is in a better place and you will meet again.
With Love Becky Kern-Taylor
Wendy and Mike, our deepest condolences at your loss. Reading about your illustrious departed Dad, makes us acknowledge the accomplished gratifying life lived by him. And knowing you both, we can easily see how well has that been emulated by you both.
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Nasreen and Feroze Ursani
Swansea Illinois
Dear RELLA, SORRY for your loss of your dear husband Jim. Prayers to all your family at this time of need. It was nice seeing you at the dances. and with Jim smiling on the dance floor.
Wishing you all the best. God will be at his side to guide him the way.
Lisa Hoelscher Gaal and Vernon Gaal
Matilda & Verle Hoelscher