James Edward "Jim" Mcneal

James Edward “Jim” McNeal, 72, of Sedalia, MO, was received into the arms of Jesus on Thursday, December 15, 2022. He was born October 4, 1950, in Tipton, MO, to Margaret Pauline (Blankenship) McNeal and Luther Edward McNeal.

After 8 years of courtship, he married the love of his life, Lisa, on April 6, 2012.

Jim was a hard worker, never one to sit idly, and held many jobs from the time he was a young boy. His employment roles varied from catching groundhogs, to painting cars, to an over-the-road truck driver, to riding the Missouri Pacific rails looking for damage. He was a bus mechanic at R.W. Harmon & Sons, and owned and operated McNeal’s Auto Repair for several years. After 22 years of service, he retired from Sedalia School District as a custodian. He spent most of his career at Horace Mann, where his favorite part of the job was interacting with the kids, who affectionately called him Mr. Jim.

Jim’s favorite hobbies included walking the Katy Trail, smoking meats, cooking, fishing, shooting, hunting, camping, vegetable gardening, and model trains. He taught himself woodworking, carpentry and automotive skills. He loved visiting Colorado and exploring the Garden of the Gods. He treasured fellowship with his Christian brothers at New Hope. Above all, his grandsons were his greatest joy.

Jim leaves a lifetime of beautiful memories for his wife; his daughter, Rebecca Fairfax (Jimmy); his stepchildren, Heather Ross and Michael Ross; his grandson, Jayce Richardson, and bonus granddaughters Jacquelyn Fairfax and Raegan Fairfax. He is also survived by siblings Gladys Hill, Frances Albers (Steve), and Margaret Jones.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Wanda Aldrich, Jeanne Curry, Charles McNeal, and Anna James, and his grandson, Noah Richardson.

A celebration of life service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, December 22, 2022, at New Hope Baptist Church in Sedalia. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude to help children fight cancer. Arrangements are under the direction of Rea Funeral Chapel.