James F. McNeal
Jim was born June 16, 1938, to Exa and Vernon McNeal. He married the love of his life, Sharon, on November 28, 1969. Together they raised their three daughters, Michelle, Rebecca and Monica. Jim and Sharon were married for 49 years. Jim’s family was always first. Sharon, Shelly, Becky and Monnie were his major responsibility. He did not take it lightly. They made their home with their children in Fort Dodge, IA and enjoyed their retired life in Sun City, AZ.
Jim graduated from Ames High School, Iowa State Teacher’s College and Michigan State University. He was a high school counselor for six years and a community college administrator for 28 years. He was a team player and wasn’t concerned about who received credit for a completed project. He was on the Board of Directors of Friendship Haven. He was a Hospice volunteer for 28 years. Jim was active in the Congregational Church in Fort Dodge, IA, and the Sun City Christian Church in Sun City, AZ, usually in finance and personnel.
Jim's favorite pastime was reading, especially biographies. He liked country music, notably Merle Haggard. He was a lifelong Democrat and admired Daryl Beall, Harold Hughes, FDR and Harry Truman. He was a fifty-year Master Mason, Scottish Rite Mason, and Shriner.
About the afterlife, Jim borrowed from Jane Goodall, “I can’t tell you what you will find when you leave Planet Earth. But I want you to know that your life on Planet Earth will make some difference in the kind of life you find after you die.” Anyone who knew Jim witnessed a life filled with love, compassion, generosity and goodness. To know him was to love him.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Patricia, and his beautiful wife, Sharon. He is survived by his three daughters, Michelle (Mack) Julius, Rebecca (Jeff) Hungerford, and Monica (Bob) Jones. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Marshall (Chelsey) Julius, Mason Julius, Morgan (Jacob) Ugland, Monroe (Jake) Wyffels, Elizabeth Rogers, Weston (Christine) Rogers, Adriana (Trevor) Tucker, Maria (Jacob Kopaska) Jones, and Riley (Jordyn) Jones. His legacy will also live on through his fourteen great-grandchildren: Tatum, Quinn, Fallon, Layne, Shay, Rhett, Jax, Clare, Maeve, Jaxsen, Jessie, Bodhi, Hadley, and Carson.
Services are pending in 2026 with Gunderson Funeral Home in Fort Dodge, IA. Memorial contributions may be directed to a Hospice organization of your choosing.