James Richard O'Neill

Jim joined the Air Force in March 1960. During his time in the Air Force, he was competitive in Judo and swimming. While stationed at MacDill Air Force Base, he met his future wife, Sylvia, at the service club dances on base.

In 1964, after his time in the Air Force, Jim joined the Clearwater Police Department as a Patrolman. He retired as a Captain after a 22 year career. In April 1965, he married Sylvia Penzato. They were married 61 years and had two daughters: Karen and Sharon.

After retiring from the Clearwater Police Department, he joined the City of Safety Harbor as a Code Enforcement Officer where one of his responsibilities was to instruct city employees on safety in the workplace. He retired in June 2003 after 16 years.

During his tenure at Clearwater Police Department, he earned his associates degree from St. Petersburg Junior College, attended the FBI academy, and was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. He was awarded the Palmitier Award for assisting with an airplane crash, looking for survivors, and taking charge of the situation. He received several commendations for his alertness and dedication to duty, the apprehension of three burglary suspects, apprehension of car thieves, and rescuing 3 citizens from Tampa Bay in the face of heavy and dangerous seas after their boat capsized, averting a tragedy. He was an expert marksman and earned a spot in the Governor's 20.

He was a member of Espiritu Santo Catholic Church for over 60 years. During that time, he was active in the 3rd and 4th degree Knights of Columbus and at one time, held a seat on the parish council.

He was very active in both the City of Clearwater and the City of Safety Harbor communities. He was a mentor to many young men in the Police Athletic League and as a Boy Scout leader. He was a founding member of Paint Your Heart Out Safety Harbor and an active member of the Kiwanis Club for many years.

As a volunteer, he supported the Safety Harbor Library, Museum, Chamber of Commerce, Meals on Wheels, and coached his daughter's softball team.

As a veteran, he was a member of the American Legion and VFW.

He loved spending time with his family, playing cards, cruising, and traveling to the mountains. He was an avid reader, fisherman and hunter.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sylvia O'Neill; their children, Karen Davis and Sharon O'Neill (Greg); their son-in-law James (PJ) Davis; grandson Austin (AJ) Davis (Venetia); three great grandchildren, Tyler, Keiden, and Rain; his sister Patricia Loretto (Robert); and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert F. and Florence E. O'Neill, and his brothers, Robert and Thomas.

Cremation has already taken place, and a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 11:00 am at Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 2853 Sunset Point Rd, Clearwater FL, 33759.

Visitation will commence at 11:00 am, service will be held from 12:00-1:00 pm, inurnment will be across the street in the Memorial Park at 1:00 pm with lunch immediately following at Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Safety Harbor Library.

Our family would like to thank the many people who have touched Jim's life in so many ways. His voice may be silent, but his wisdom echoes throughout all our lives.

Please take a moment to share your memories and pictures of Jim so that our family can enjoy the wonderful times you shared with him.