Jerry James "Jim" O'Neal

In loving memory of Jerry James “Jim” O’Neal, devoted and beloved husband, father, grand father and great-grandfather. He was born on January 6, 1945. Kingsland, Georgia was his hometown, but he called McDonough, Georgia his home. He passed peacefully on June 24, 2023 at Piedmont Rockdale Hospital surrounded by family. He was 78 years of age.

Jim was raised in coastal South Georgia the son of Ruth O’Neal Strickland and Claude Strickland. His natural father, James Mathew O’Neal was killed in WWII never knowing his son had been born. He graduated from Camden County High School in 1963 and was active in the marching band. He served as the drum major his senior year. He attended Mercer University in Macon, then enlisted in the Air Force in 1966 during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Mountain Home Idaho and was honorably discharged in 1970 as a sergeant. He returned home to the South where he attended the University of Florida and graduated with a Bachelors of Arts degree.

He had a long career with large international construction firms as well as regional road building contractors, and was notably the Director of Transportation for Henry County for nine years. After leaving government work he did consulting within that industry until his retirement in 2018.

Jim was a steady rock and devoted to his wife Sara. He sacrificed much of his own needs and desires in order to take care of her.

Though he did not boast about it, he was a man of deep faith, integrity, and strong work ethic, all while having a lighthearted perspective. In his writings he is quoted as saying, “Be who you are, everyone else is taken.”

His grandchildren and great grandchildren filled his heart with joy. He relished the time he could spend with them. He attended countless ball games, church programs, and graduation ceremonies to show his support for them. He mentored and guided them through life’s challenges and choices, and was blessed with multiple great-grandchildren as well.

Jim O’Neal is survived by his wife of 38 years Sara Hargett O’Neal. Son Todd (Raimonda) O’Neal, grandchildren Riana and Aiden of Oak Ridge, TN, and Katelyn O’Neal (Trevor) Theis of Morristown, FL, and Kyle O’Neal of Bronson, FL. Daughter Shannon O’Neal (Frank) Kenton of Palm Coast FL, grandchildren Ryan (Stephanie) Kenton of St. Augustine, FL, and Madison Kenton and fiancé Ian Hubbs of Murfreesboro, TN. Son Russell (Becky) Camp of McDonough GA, grandchildren Taylor (Kim) Camp of Jonesboro, GA, and Garrett (Jordan) Camp of Locust Grove, GA. Son Joel (Karen) Camp of Jackson, GA, and grandson Jordan (Mary Claire) Camp of Atlanta, GA. Jim is survived by eight great-grandchildren and sister Cathy Passarella of Kingsland, GA.

A memorial service is being held at Haisten Funerals and Cremations, 1745 Zack Hinton Parkway South, McDonough, GA 30253 on Friday, June 30, 2023. Visitation is at 1:00 pm and the service at 2:00pm in the chapel. Pastor Rick Statham of Salem Baptist Church is officiating.

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