James Neely (Veteran)

James Robert Neely, 83, Jefferson City, passed away Tuesday, August 10, 2010, in Jefferson City He was born September 9, 1926, in St. Louis, Mo., to the Rev. Golden E. and Mollie E. Neely. He was married in Elsberry, Mo. on January 8, 1950, to Bessie D. Fine, who preceded him in death May 1, 2003. Jim graduated from Mexico Senior High School, attended William Jewel College and was a veteran of WWII where he served with the 11th Airborne in the Philippines and Japan. Jim and his family lived many years in Mexico, Mo., where he was employed by the U.S. Postal Service and Prudential Insurance Company and was a member of the Centennial Baptist Church. He lived the last 36 years in Jefferson City, Mo., working with Electronic Business Equipment and Convenient Food Mart and was an active member of Concord Baptist Church. He is survived by his four children: Marta Neely Hodson of Fort Myers Fla., Bruce Neely (Sandy) of Holts Summit, Mo., James "Kim" Neely (B.J.) of Thompson, Mo., and Darren Neely (Susanne) of Lenexa, Kan.; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson and his sister, Louise Dowell of Centralia, Mo. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother. Visitation will be on Friday, August 13, 2010, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon at Concord Baptist Church, 3724 West Truman Boulevard, Jefferson City, Mo. 65109 followed by the funeral service at 12:00 noon at the church. Graveside services will be held at 3:00 p.m. at the East Lawn Memorial Park in Mexico, Mo. Jim requested memorials be made to Concord Baptist Church Building Fund or TV Ministry or the charity of the donor's choice. Condolences may be made at www.arnoldfh.com