James Edmond Neill

After high school, Jim joined the U.S. Army in December 1966. Through his service, Jim received the Army Commendation Medal-for distinguishing himself by exceptionally meritorious achievement in ground operation in the Republic of Vietnam during the period from December 5, 1967 to June 1, 1968. His outstanding performance during the cited period was a significant contribution in support of the United States counterinsurgency effort in the Republic of Vietnam. He performed in a highly professional and efficient manner, accomplishing his assigned mission with exceptional results. Working long arduous hours, he set an example that inspired his associates to strive for maximum achievement. His initiative, sound judgment, loyalty and will to succeed have been in the best tradition of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. Jim also received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal and the Parachutist Badge. He was Honorably Discharged on the 13th day of April 1972 as an Army Airborne Specialist Five with his Diploma and Parachute Packing Maintenance and Airdrop certification.

Jim always said that the best day of his life was the day he and Peggy picked up their daughter “Trisha” from the hospital. In order to support his family, Jim worked as an operations manager for over 20 years. When Jim was not working, he enjoyed watching the Dallas Cowboys, no matter how good or bad they were that season. As a child, Trisha remembers the two of them watching the Cowboys in the family room. When a play went wrong, Jim would yell at the television, and young Trisha would copy her father and yell at the t.v. as well. Jim also loved to read books, especially about military history. He and Trisha would go to the library and he would be looking for and checking out as many books as they would allow him. Jim also loved “oldies” music. Every time the car was turned on, you heard oldies rock playing on the radio. He would challenge Trisha to a game of guess-who-sings-that-song.

Jim was down to earth, simple, laid back. He was loving, caring, stubborn at times, and a patriot. He will be missed tremendously. On December 1, 2014, James Edmond Neill was called Home to meet his Maker. He was greeted in Heaven by his father Edmond Neill and his beloved dog, Willie.

His life will continue to be honored and celebrated by his mother, Margaret Kane of New York; daughter, Trisha Neill of Carrollton; his siblings Don, Tom, Larry, Kathy and Mary Frances and many other relatives and close friends.