James Richard Neal

On Tuesday, March 31, 2020, James Richard Neal, “Jim”, devoted husband and loving father of four children, passed away at the age of 82. Jim was born in Paulding, Ohio on July 16th, 1937 to Darrel and Hazel (Kemper) Neal.

Upon graduating from Wolcottville (IN) High School in 1955, Jim proudly served in the United States Marine Corps until 1959, when he was honorably discharged as a Sergeant. In July of 1960, Jim met his future wife, Lois Jean Blotkamp, at a cookout in Avilla, Indiana. Jim and Jean married on March 2nd, 1962 and had their first of 5 children on December 30th of the same year. In 1964, Jim graduated from Tri-State University with a degree in Civil Engineering. Early in his career, Jim worked for the B&O Railroad, MKT Railroad and Rock Island Railroad before venturing into his own business ventures as the proprietor of J&J Pool Services and eventually Siesta Shores Waterworks in Zapata, Texas. Jim retired in the Dallas area to be close to his children and grandchildren. Jim kept his ties to the Marine Corps by establishing a Marine Corps League detachment in Zapata and eventually volunteering with the Ft. Worth, Texas detachment. Jim gave his time to charitable activities including Meals on Wheels, and the annual Toys for Tots Children’s Christmas Toy Drive.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Jean and his daughters, Jill and Jenny, and his parents Darrel and Hazel Neal. Jim is survived by his sister, Georgiana Becker and his sons Jeff, Jimmy and Jerry. He was also the grandfather of 7; Jeni, Sara, Carson, Davis, Jade, Jordan and Zeke.