Jimmie Neal

Jimmie Neal was born on April 19, 1947 in Harlem Hospital, New York, NY to John Thomas Neal and Sallie Neal. He was 76. He was the eldest of four children: two brothers, Martin (Charlotte/deceased) and Lynnell and one sister, Vanessa (Steve). He passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at the Burke Rehabilitation Center in White Plains, NY. He was recovering from a stroke.

Although born in Harlem, Jimmie grew up and attended schools in the Bronx. He graduated from Evander Childs High School. He was very athletic, played baseball and ran track but excelled at basketball. He played in junior high school and on community center teams before making the varsity team at Evander. After graduation, Jimmie received a basketball scholarship to Texas Western College in El Paso, Texas. He had many stories about his experiences there!

Jimmie returned to New York and married Judith Dowdy. Together they parented four children, Angela, Samara, Alisha and Kyle.

Jimmie worked several jobs before becoming a counselor at Woodycrest Children’s Services in the Bronx and later in Security at Greer-Woodycrest when the agency moved to Pomona, NY. There he met and married his wife Loretta. To this union a son and daughter were born, Christopher (Jolene) and Lauren. Jimmie worked at Greer-Woodycrest until the agency closed. Soon after, he was employed by East Ramapo Central School District and assigned to Chestnut Ridge Middle School as Security personnel. Jimmie loved the students and although discipline was required, he was a kind advisor and confidant. He always greeted everyone with a smile and gave an encouraging word when needed. He was beloved by students, faculty and coworkers.

For the past few years, Jimmie took a second part-time job in Security at the Finkelstein Memorial Library in Spring Valley, NY. He was dependable, professional and considered a valued employee.

Jimmie accepted Christ, was baptized and became a member of Rockland Baptist Church in 2003. He loved his church and served as an usher, assisted in preparation of the Lord’s Supper and thoroughly enjoyed the Men’s Group. He loved the Lord, not in something he preached but rather displayed in actions, warmth and discussions with family and others.

Jimmie was a man of few words but a deep thinker. He loved and cherished his family and the holidays were extra special, especially the food. He ran five miles a day until his knees wouldn’t permit and then he walked five miles a day until time wouldn’t permit. He loved taking pictures and you could count on him to have his camera ready to capture family and church gatherings and special events. He loved to laugh and was truly appreciative of the small things in life!

He is survived and greatly missed by his wife Loretta, children Christopher (Jolene), Lauren, Angela, Samara, Alisha, Kyle; siblings Martin, Vanessa and Lynnell; grandchildren Jarred, Mason and Shayne; nephews Alexander, Matthew (Sara) niece Elisa; brother and sister-in-law Clyde Kincaide (Fatino) of Michigan; nephew Clyde III of Georgia and a host of other loving cousins, nieces, nephews, family members and friends.

A visiting for Jimmie will be held Wednesday, September 6, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at 6:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MJHigginsNewCity.com for the Neal family.