James Paul McNeill

He was born on February 27, 1933 in Lumberton, NC to the late Robert Thompson McNeill and Letha Cartrette Swann.

Jim spent his childhood and early adult life in Rockingham, NC, where he graduated from Rockingham High School with the class of 1952. He joined the US Air Force right out of high school and served from 1952 to 1956 as an Airman 1st Class. Over the course of his enlistment, Jim was stationed in Mississippi, Florida, Greenland, and South Carolina. Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Jim began his career with AT&T, and eventually retired in 1989 after 33 years of employment.

Jim married his bride of 65 years, Lucille Snead McNeill, in June of 1958. He was a devoted father to their three children, Wendy, Walter, and Paul.

Jim was a member of Mulberry Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC, where he served as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher, and sang in the choir. He loved music and enjoyed sharing a song with anyone.

Jim enjoyed many fulfilling hobbies in his life, notably boating and fishing, especially with his brothers, and watching any kind of college ball, although his favorite team was the Carolina Tar Heels. He was also a Boy Scout Troop Leader and a competitive sportsman. He specifically enjoyed playing golf, tennis, and racquetball. As he got older, he enjoyed woodworking in his garage.

Those left to honor Jim’s memory include his beloved wife, Lucille Snead McNeill; children, Wendy M. Foster (Drew) and Paul C. McNeill (Tonya); grandchildren, Jason M. Foster, Amber-Drew Foster, Rachel Myers (Jason), Megan Sholar (Seth), Sara Stroup, Madison McNeill, Zachary McNeill (Sophia), Chase McNeill, and Faith-Grace McNeill; eight great grandchildren; and brothers, Robert McNeill, George McNeill, and Richard McNeill; as well as numerous other loving family members and friends.

In addition to his parents, Jim has been reunited in Heaven with his son, Walter M. McNeill; grandson, Jacob Paul McNeill; and brother, Kenneth McNeill.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from 10:00am until 10:45am on Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at Mulberry Baptist Church, 6450 Tuckaseegee Rd., Charlotte, NC 28214.

The funeral service is to be conducted at 11:00am, immediately following the visitation, at Mulberry Baptist Church, where Pastor Ronnie Bowers is to officiate.

The graveside service is to be conducted later that day at 3:30pm at Richmond County Memorial Park, 1717 E Broad Ave., Rockingham, NC 28379.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s memory to the James McNeill Scholarship Fund at Mulberry Baptist Church, 6450 Tuckaseegee Rd., Charlotte, NC 28214.

The family would like to offer special thanks to Jim’s caregivers with Hospice and Palliative Care – Charlotte Region.

Condolences may be shared with the McNeill family at ForestLawnWest.com.