James Lawrence Neal

James Lawrence Neal died peacefully in Amarillo Texas on 17 Aug 2019 at the age of 96.

Jim is survived by his children and grandchildren, one son,  Phillip and wife Laura Neal of Amarillo Texas, Their children, Darian, Husband JJ and son Dominic Chavez of Hawaii, and son Chris, wife Sterling, and daughter Kennedy of San Antonio Texas; two daughters, Paula and husband Terry Wilson of Norman, Oklahoma.  Their children Neal Wilson and his daughters, Shanna and Whitney, and son Kolby of Norman, Oklahoma, and William Wilson of Del City, Oklahoma and Travis Jernigan of Del City, Oklahoma;  Patty and husband, Mike Cadenhead of Heath, Ohio. Their children Russ and Kristi Cadenhead: their daughters Nikki and Caitlyn Annarino of Heath, Ohio and son Brian Cadenhead. He is preceded in death by his wife Aline and sister Florence Pearson - Sussek.

Jim was born on 27 March 1923 in Weeks, Arkansas to Paul and Jessie Neal. He graduated from Redlands High School in Redlands, California.  After serving his country in World War II, he married Faye Aline Ball, his lifelong sweetheart November 6, 1948 in Spur, Texas.  They made their home in Redlands California where Jim began working for the Department of Defense as an Aircraft Mechanic.  They welcomed their three children into their home and Jim and Aline set about teaching them life’s lessons. His children remember him as a kind, gentle, and patient but deeply determined father who encouraged them to pursue their goals.

Jim was accomplished at all phases of mechanical work and carpentry and actually built the family home in Ark by hand with the help of a couple of relatives. He was a generous and dedicated individual who loved his Christian life and family and celebrated his religious upbringing and who was passionate about teaching that to his children and carrying those beliefs on through the generations.  He was an active and dedicated member of the Church of Christ at many locations and often volunteered as preacher, song leader and Sunday school teacher. 

A funeral under the direction of Zapata Funeral Home; is scheduled for 11:00 AM on 24 August 2019 at the Church of Christ in Spur Texas. Pastor Michael Chase will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jim’s life. Condolences can be sent to https://www.zapatafuneralhome.net/ The family would like to thank the Amarillo Veterans Administration Hospital and hospice staff for their efforts and his care.