Mr. James L. Neel's Obituary
James L. Neel, age 83, passed away November 16, 2020 and joined his beloved wife Betty in Heaven. He was blessed to be at home when he passed away surrounded in love by his children and grandchildren. Jim was born 10/19/1937 in Knightstown, Indiana to Clifford and Cecelia Neel and married Betty Morrison on March 5, 1970 . Jim was a career man in the Navy for over 20 years and was a proud Navy Seabee where he was a heavy equipment operator. Jim enlisted in the Navy in 1954. He served in Viet Nam and was stationed in such places as Antarctica, Spain, Morocco, Guam, Texas, Rhode Island, North Carolina, Mississippi, Illinois and Michigan just to name a few. Jim retired from the Navy with over 20 years of good conduct. He then started a second career working for Consumers Power Company working as a machinist at the B. C. Cobb Plant where he also retired. Jim was an avid sportsman and outdoorsmans. He would often be found fishing, hunting, camping or simply outdoors enjoying nature. Jim loved to do wood carvings and tinkering and could make or repair just about anything. Jim was a member of the Lovell Moore Masonic Lodge and the North Muskegon Don Rea VFW Post 8846. Jim was a man of faith and a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in North Muskegon. He was a dedicated and loving family man who would do anything for his children and grandchildren. Jim’s happiest moments were spent with his family where he loved making memories traveling and going on adventures with his kids and grandkids. Jim didn’t miss an opportunity to pass his love, appreciation and knowledge of the outdoors to those he loved. He was active until the end and didn’t miss an opportunity to support his grandkids. He would often be found cheering them on at their sporting events, school activities and extracurricular events. Jim was caring and friendly and never passed up the opportunity to make a new friend, tell an amazing story or brighten someone's day. He was a friend to everyone he met. James was preceded in death by his parents, his son Jamie, and his wife Betty Morrison Neel, who was the love of his life. He is survived by his daughter Marci Neel, son Ed Neel (Kris) of Green Bay, Wisconsin, daughter Anna (Jeff) Gamble and family of Hearne, Texas; Grandchildren Robbie, Katie, Mylie and Jamie Neel of Muskegon, Roxanne (Steve) Mueller and their son Bennett and Danielle Neel of Green Bay, Wisconsin. Also surviving him are his extended family members, Karen Smith, Paul & Carol Morrison, Brad & Deb Morrison Hyde all of Muskegon, and his special fishing partner and nephew Brad (Janet) Smith of Eaton Rapids, Michigan and many other nieces and nephews; a special daughter Noriko (Shigeki) Sasaki, who was an exchange student who became family, and her children Yusuke and Tamaki of Sapporo, Hokkaido Japan. A scholarship fund was set up with the Reeths Puffer Band after Jim’s beloved Betty passed away. Jim asked that in lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Betty and Jim Neel Reeths Puffer Band Scholarship Fund ℅ Reeths-Puffer High School Band 1545 North Roberts Rd. Muskegon, MI 49445. A graveside Military service will be held Tuesday November 24, 2020 at 1:00pm at Laketon Township Cemetery, with a celebration of life to be held in the summer of 2021 when things are hopefully safer. Our family knows all too well the heartache covid is bringing to far too many families as our sweet Dad and Grandpa died from respiratory complications due to Covid. If you plan to attend his service, we ask that you wear a mask, social distance and refrain from offering hugs until it is safe to do so once again. Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?
