James (Jim) Walter Neal Sr.

James (Jim) Walter Neal Sr.

James (Jim) Walter Neal Sr., 74, of Bakersfield, Calif., went  peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Feb. 21, 2022. 

He was surrounded by his wife Patti, and his children, Jamia Smith, Jim Neal II and Staci Wright. 

He was born in DeKalb, on July 2, 1947, the son of Dr. and Mrs. Charles Neal. 

Mr. Neal is survived by his wife Patti; daughter Jamia Smith; son Jim Neal II; daughter Staci Wright; brother, Mr. Chuck Neal (Judy); sisters Laura McMahon and Lois McConomy (Steve), all of Illinois; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; seven nephews; four great-nephews, two great-nieces; other relatives and many friends.

Mr. Neal was preceded in death by a son, Joshua; his parents; his father and mother-in-law; and a brother-in-law.

Mr. Neal enjoyed an athletic career in high school and college. His high school basketball team, the Cobden Appleknockers, earned state honors in 1964. He went on to play college basketball for Carson Newman.  

Mr. Neal served in the U.S. Air Force during Viet Nam. He completed a degree in business from Carson Newman and a master’s of theology from Criswell Bible Institute in Dallas, Texas.

He went on to pastor several churches and to maintain a successful career in sales, earning numerous awards before his retirement in 2019.  

Among his life accomplishments was completion of a published book. His true passions in life were his family and service to his Lord.

He was fun loving, a competitive man. He enjoyed golf, telling a good story, spending time with family and friends, playing games and a good meal. 

He always had time to share his heart and passion for Christ to whoever would listen.  He served his community through his church, First Baptist Church of Shafter, Calif., with meal distributions, children and adult ministries, and was called on by his community to offer words of encouragement and prayer during civic ceremonies. 

His life was full. He had the heart of a warrior for his Lord, family and friends. 

Funeral services were 10 a.m. Saturday, March 5, at Greenlawn Memorial Park Southwest in Bakersfield, Calif.

Greenlawn Funeral Home Southwest in Bakersfield, Calif., was in charge of arrangements.

The Gazette-Democrat

112 Lafayette St.
Anna, Illinois 62906
Office Number: (618) 833-2158
Email: news@annanews.com

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