La Nell, I am Jay Farrar from Edinburg Texas. I grew up with Jimmy first grade through graduation and high school. On and off he was my buddy. We did many things together. I was shocked to hear of his passing and my heart goes out to you. I lost Martha on May 22, 2020. Our boys live in Houston and I am moving there in September To a place call Woodforest in the woodslands.I hope to get with you and talk about Jimmy. May God bless you and the kids with wonderful memories of a life well lived. 361-960-1653.

I am shocked and heart broken to hear of Jim's death.  I have such fond memories of being his roommate while we were in law school.  He is always so much fun and bright.  At that point in his life, he was looking forward so much to marrying La Nell.

I am so sorry that over the years we did not do a better job of keeping in touch.  I was living in Dallas, Washington, D. C., New York City and now Chicago.

La Nell and the Neel family are in my thoughts and prayers.

I wish Mr. Neel and his family peace in this time of loss. I will be forever grateful for the opportunities Jim Neel gave me in my career.  He is certainly the one most responsible for where I am in my career today. 

I have many memories of Jim Neel.

When I was rather young, he manipulated me into being a Texas Longhorn fan.  That is perhaps my first memory.  I seem to remember an enormous van with a horn that would play the UT fight song whenever Jim honked.  I seem to remember strong tension building when the OU-UT game approached.

I remember endless office card games. I remember free cokes in the fridges and playing with the copier. I remember New Year’s office parties.  I remember Jim’s (and LaNell’s!) laughter filling the house.  Jim was always warm to me, and as a rather awkward adolescent that meant something.  Jim always earned respect for his thoughts, and his opinions were strongly held and thoughtfully constructed.

I also remember glimpses of Jim as a fighter.  It was not hard to imagine Jim as a tough, hard-nosed adversary in any legal dispute.  I would not want to cross him. I don’t think I ever did.

I remember my father and Jim emerging from the racquetball courts, wearing inadequate sweat bands on their foreheads and wrists, a partnership that weathered many ups and downs, and that I hope both of them enjoyed and appreciated.  Neel and Hooper sound as natural in my mind as “bread and butter.”

I remember Jim’s voice on the phone, when he called me to tell me my father had died.  That I remember all too well. Jim didn’t sugar coat anything. In classic Jim style, he ripped the band aid off and told me the painful facts. I appreciated that about Jim. For Jim, the truth has to be faced.  No avoiding the truth. But he was also compassionate in his way, and I was grateful to have his ear in that moment.

To LaNell, James and Nancy, I am so sorry for your loss. Jim was a giant. He leaves us all a legacy that I will reflect on for quite some time. My life was shaped in no small part by Jim Neel. So much more yours.  I am grateful. May God comfort you in this time of grief, and may you come to appreciate the gift Jim was to this world and to all of us.

Dear LaNell and Family - I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw Jim's picture with his obituary.  I was so sad to know that Jim has left us but know he is hugging his way through Heaven.

Jim was such a friendly, outgoing guy and had a radiant smile.  I always looked forward to seeing Jim and LaNell at church.  You will always have a place in my heart as members of Suzy's Wednesday evening worship group.

Please know you are and will continue to be in my prayers.  I will so much miss Jim's "hellos" and hugs he gave so generously.

Grew up with Jim in Edinburg and went to school together.  God Bless Him and his family.  All of you are in my Prayers.

Dear LaNell, please accept my sincere condolences. I knew Jim, only casually, but knew of him through Dexter Hill, the Tejas Club and Sufracats. Jim was significant to Newgulf and me through interesting connections.
Jim Neel and Dexter Hill, Tejas roommates. Jim married LaNell Chaffin. Paul Good, probably sponsored into Tejas by Jim, was introduced to Betty Ruth Johnson by you and Jim.
Henry Baade sponsored into Tejas by Paul Good.
Frances Preston and Tom Gregg, Tejas, introduced by Henry Baade.
Two marriages plus my wonderful Tejas experience, a result of Jim Neel! Henry Baade

OBITUARY

James Merrill Neel

May 31, 1938 – July 1, 2020

Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home and Cemetery

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