James R. O'Neill

Dr. James R. O'Neill, age 96, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, May 25, 2014. "Dick" as he is known to his friends and family, was the second of three sons to Fern Mary Glatz and Edward Michael O'Neill, in Kansas City, MO on June 25, 1917.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Florence O'Neill; brothers, Francis E. O'Neill, M.D. and Joseph O'Neill and son, John O'Neill, and step-daughter, Stacey Austin, N.D.

Dick is survived by his wife, Jane Austin O'Neill of San Antonio, TX; his son, Robert O'Neill, of San Antonio, TX; step-daughter, Kelley Austin, of San Antonio, TX; granddaughter, Caitlin M. O'Neill, of Denton, TX; grandson, Devin O'Neill, and wife Ivonne and great-granddaughter, Arilynn, of San Antonio, TX; nephew, Francis Edward "Ed" O'Neill, Jr.; niece, Mary M. O'Neill Kimball and husband, John P. Kimball, Jr. of Houston, TX, and their children John "Tripp" Kimball, III and Chris Kimball, D.D.S.

An excellent diagnostician, Dick attended the University of Kansas Medical School where he received his Medical Degree in 1942. He served as a ship's Physician with the U.S. Navy during World War II. He completed his Residency in Internal Medicine at Santa Rosa Hospital where he performed the first cardiac catheterization in the San Antonio area. Along with other local physicians, Dick financed, developed and opened one of the first hospitals in the Medical Center area. He later joined other physicians to open the San Antonio Diagnostic Clinic. His ability and wise counsel was widely sought by his patients and colleagues. Dick retired from his private medical practice in 2008, at the age of 91 years old.

Dick was known as a kind and generous man, always seeing the best in everyone he met. His patients loved him, often bringing him sweets and chocolates. He was trained that patients came first and was willing to make house calls until retirement. His sense of humor and willingness to teach others with kindness and consideration gained the respect of all around him. Dick expressed an interest in many things; however, he especially enjoyed flying, sports, card games, trains, traveling and carpentry. As an ardent lover of animals, he always had at least one pet beside him.

The O'Neill family would like to extend their gratitude to Vitas Innovative Hospice Care's nurse and aide, James and Belinda.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, May 30, 2014, at Porter Loring Mortuary North.

ROSARY

FRIDAY

MAY 30, 2014

7:00 P.M.

PORTER LORING NORTH CHAPEL

FUNERAL MASS

SATURDAY

MAY 31, 2014

2:00 P.M.

HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC CHURCH

20523 HUEBNER RD.

A reception will follow at the church.

A graveside interment ceremony will be conducted privately for the immediate family at a later date. Msgr. Douglas Fater to officiate. Pallbearers will be his son, grandson, nephew, nephew-in-law, grand-nephews.