James “Jim” Neal of Rockford, IL departed this earthly life Monday April 21st, 2025. He was born on August 12th 1936 in Greenville, Mississippi. The son of Milton Neal and Emma Davis, and married Geraldine Moore in Rockford, IL on August 26th 1957.
He graduated from O’Bannon High School in Greenville, MS. James was in the automotive field for many years before retiring, in addition to being a member of New Fellowship Baptist Church.
James leaves to cherish many loving memories with his wife of 67 years, Geraldine. 3 daughters, Loretta Curry of St Louis, Mo. Sandra, Karen (Terry), 1 son James Neal Jr. 8 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren. 3 brothers, Dennis Sykes, Derrick Neal, and Milton Neal all of Chicago, IL.
Special family members include nephew, Ray (Mary) Essie of Chicago, IL, cousin, Bessie Wade of Greenville, MS and cherished longtime friend from high school Walter Jennings, of Kalamazoo, MI. In addition to a host of loving relatives and friends.
James was predeceased by his parents, Milton and Emma, sister Hertie Essie of Chicago, IL, daughter Carol and son-in-law Mickey Dickens. Special cousin Maggie Zachary of Detroit, MI and loving grandfather who raised him, to whom he referred to as daddy Elder Kingsbury.
A visitation for James will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N Alpine Rd., Machesney Park, Illinois 61115. Private family services will be held. Burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
