James Edward "Jim" McNeill

Weapon Engineering Sonar Instructor - CFNES

Petty Officer 2nd Class James (Jim) McNeill, the proud son of a Cape Bretoner, enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces in 1991 as a Naval Electronic Technician – Acoustic.

Soon after his enrollment, PO2 McNeill was posted to CFB Cornwallis to complete his basic recruiting training and after perfecting the unique “McNeill marching method”, was posted to CFB Esquimalt. Soon after his instruction as a sonar operator began, PO2 McNeill transferred to the Sonar technical branch and sent to the CFNES Det St. John’s to complete his technical apprentice training where he excelled and was promoted to the rank of Able Seaman as his studies were completed.

In 1993 PO2 McNeill was attached posted to NCSM VILLE DE QUEBEC where he discovered to his surprise that Gaelic was not Canada’s second official language. Upon completion of his tour, he was promoted to the rank of Leading Seaman and left VILLE DE QUEBEC to become part of the commission crew of HMCS CHARLOTTETOWN. PO2 McNeill always looked back with fondness to this particular posting in his career as he was extremely proud of his new role as both a technician and a junior leader on a new first line frigate.

PO2 McNeill was posted ashore to TRINITY in 1995 where he was employed as systems maintainer until his NET-A QL5 Technician course at CFNES Halifax in 1996. Upon completion of this phase of training, he was promoted to the rank of Master Seaman and reported to HMCS PRESERVER, and subsequently HMCS FREDERICTON, as a NET-A system maintainer.

PO2 McNeill returned to CFNES in 2001 as part of CFNES CSTC maintenance staff. In 2003, he was posted to HMCS TORONTO where, as a newly promoted PO2, served his country on patrol in the Arabian Sea, earning the South-West Asia Service Medal and the Canadian Forces Decoration.

In 2010, PO2 McNeill once again returned to CFB Halifax with repeat tours of CFIC TRINITY and CFNES. As NET trades amalgamated in Sept 2011, PO2 McNeill became one of the Royal Canadian Navy’s first Weapon Engineering Techs – Sonar, and served as a the Senior WEng Sonar Instructor at CFNES until his passing in 2012.

Prior to his service in the Navy, PO2 McNeill graduated from the University of Cape Breton with a degree in Mining Technology. Residing in Lower Sackville for the majority of his military career, his free time was spent in pursuit of fast cars, photography and dodging paint-balls with friends on the weekend.

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PO2 James Edward McNeill 1964-2012

It is with profound sadness and love that we said goodbye to our beloved brother and friend James Edward McNeill (Jim) on September 5th. Jim passed away at home as he wished to do after succumbing to pancreatic cancer. Jim was the only son of the late Eddie and Edie McNeill of Sydney. He is survived by sisters Arlene Miller (Tony), Patricia McNeill (Hugh), special cousin-sister Louise Comeau, nieces Katie Paul (Richard), Heather Bell-Tackett (Ryan) and their children Sophia, Mikayla and Marc as well as many wonderful cousins and special aunts and uncles. He is also survived by his second family - The Royal Canadian Navy. Jim was a proud member of our military and served as Weapon Engineer Sonar Instructor at the Canadian Forces Naval Engineering School Halifax. Upon his diagnosis, the RCN stepped up in a way that can only be described as amazing. From the visits from Ordinary Seamen up the ranks to Admiral, he was constantly cared for by the Navy like one would care for a family member. So we, and Jim, are truly grateful for everything they have done, especially Lieutenant (Navy) Joe Chaput who walked every step of the way with Jim and his family. Jim loved his career and his accomplishments in it reflect that. He was a proud Cape Bretoner, a fast car enthusiast and was very proud of his Genesis and her "new boots." Jim's hobbies included riding roller coasters (including a trip to Virginia with a group of other enthusiasts), playing paint ball with the Tippinators of which he was a proud member and considering himself a member in good standing of another "military unit" - the Kiss Army since 1974. . He recently took up photography and was showing a special talent for it, especially photographing cars - of course. Jim was a true patriot and was so from a very young age. He was a virtual walking Wikipedia when it came to anything to do with World Wars I and II and Canadian involvement in them. Happily he was able to visit Juno and Omaha Beaches, and was especially moved to visit Vimy Ridge. He loved animals and in particular "small brown dogs." Many of his last smiles were for a little one named Frankie who brightened his last days. A special thank you to Jim's PCW Laura who was amazing as well as to Dr. Sheehan and Capt. Sarah MacDonald and his Cobequid Palliative Care team. Their compassion, knowledge and attentiveness helped Jim to die at home as he wished and he did it with great courage and dignity, a wonderful gift and one for which we will be forever thankful. Visitation will be held on Monday Sept. 10th at A.L Mattatall Funeral Home, 217 Portland Street, Dartmouth, from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM. We will gather to say our final farewells to Jim in a Military Service to be held at the Stadacona Base Chapel on Tuesday Sept. 11th at 2:00 PM. Donations to V.E.T.S (Veteran's Emergency Transition Services) Canada would be greatly appreciated.