James "Jamie" Allan Neal

Ventura - The world lost one of the most memorable and generous souls last week in the unexpected passing of James Allan Neal, of Ventura, CA.

James was born August 27th 1959 and was raised in Corpus Christi, Texas, graduating from Carroll High School, class of 1977. He was proud of becoming an Eagle Scout. James raced motocross in high school, competing around the state and winning many trophies, but he found his true love, surfing, which lasted a lifetime and took him on travels around the world with friends. He often regaled us with surfing and other adventures with many of his exploits becoming legends in his circle of friends.

He attended The University of Texas, was a diehard Longhorn fan, working towards a degree in Political Science but found his true calling in Hollywood, CA. Successfully working 25 plus years as a Grip in the motion picture industry. He worked on such notable films as Waterworld, The Postman, Jersey Boys and Corrina, Corrina, among many others.

James was popular and well liked wherever he went…always making new friends and staying in touch with his many old ones. He was known for a sharp wit and a dry sense of humor. He was an avid reader, reading 4 newspapers a day cover to cover and several books a week. While in Hollywood, he met his long time Significant Other, Holly Hagy, also a Texan, and they built a memorable life together in California.

James is survived by his mother, Jerry McDonald Neal of College Station; his father, Clarence Neal of San Antonio; sister Kara Neal Buster of Friendswood (Glenn Bertrand); his nephews Jereme Buster of Friendswood; Josh and Savannah Buster and their two children Tatum and Harper, of Alvin; Tyler Buster of Friendswood; William Buster and two sons, Jason and Gunner of Corpus Christi; Aunt Sharon Barfield of Conroe; cousins Kathy Lancaster of Angleton; Cheryl Brumfield of Grand Saline; and of course, his Long Time Significant Other, Holly and their beloved pets, Curly Bill, Johnny Ringo, Mad Max and Mama Kitty.

Services will be held at St. Marks Lutheran Church at 4620 S. Alameda, Corpus Christi, Texas this Saturday, April 13th at 1:00pm. Reception immediately following in the Hall.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Corpus-Christi Caller-Times from Apr. 10 to Apr. 12, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for James Neal

26 Entries

LORI KELLETT

April 7, 2024

Ok I'm silly am I the only one writing in your guest book.? Ok so what!, I saw your message in my email today was 5th anniversary of your passing. Wow , it seems like yesterday . I could not figure out why I was sad. I don't care...I will visit your grave one day. I know it's far. Maybe one day on the way to Florida.? Maybe just in spirt ? .Today, I am remembering you my friend to let you know your not forgotten. I know you loved visiting Bali it was your favorite place to relax ....and in spirit I know your still in Bali surfing that big wave in Indonesia...in G land...watching the suset...as you finish your day...and not having to worry anymore , no stress, no care in the world, no responsibility...just relax as the day unfolds and just listen to the waves as you end your day. You are at peace now. I remember you talking about this was your last wish. All my Aloha , Lori

Lori L Kellett

April 4, 2023

Today I received a notice from legacy the date of your memorial was today 2019 -I had no idea you passed away until 8 months after, writing is my way of grieving. Today I would've visited your grave if you were not so damn far. Seems like your still on that long vacation in Bali in G land surfing those big waves and enjoying yourself in spirt. We would be eating sushi and drink saki by now...cheers my friend, you haven't been forgotten. Aloha, Lori Kellett

Lori Kellett

May 12, 2022

James, I am thinking of you today and decided to stop by to say hello. I keep on thinking that you are on a long vacation in bali and hawaii and surfing on that big wave. I cannot believe that you are gone and that you will never be back only in spirit. I wish that I was able to visit your funeral I never knew you passed away. I will send flowers to your grave. All my Aloha, Lori

Cheryl McNair

February 8, 2020

James, you always had a special place in my heart, and still do.

Lori Lee Kuualoha Kellett

December 6, 2019

This message is long overdue, yesterday I learned james passed away in April 2019, 8 months ago. This was of shock to me because his mother and father are still living I wish I was able to go to his funeral. I had a gut feeling something wasnt wasnt right, when he didnt answer his phone, it was disconnected. I sent a Christmas card and holly , his girlfriend called me to tell me the news. I'm in shock.
I met James many years ago on his birthday, August 27, 1997 while I was on vacation alone in Bali, Indonesia. My twin sister lived in guam, micronesia at the time, while I was only a 5 hour flight away, I always wanted to go. My friends that worked in the airlines in guam said it would be safe to fly alone. How I met James-I went to a restaurant to eat where james was reading a book...haha.. and we had some small talk and happened to both be from southern California, he asked me to join him for his birthday, he was celebrating alone. He was so excited to go on a surfing camp in " G land" in indonesia.
I always teased james and said that he had good Gene's and to thank his parents, he would laugh. He wasnt only a goodlooking guy, he was also caring and good hearted. He was a bit of a wild child in his younger years and he wanted to enjoy every moment of his life., party, drink and socialize. I could tell with his job and some of the things that had done over the years, he really enjoyed himself. He bought a house, settelled down with holly, his girlfriend etc.

How I remember james, is he was always happy, had a good sense of humor, I would always see him with a book or newspaper, he was a caring and good person, private and mysterious. He always said that he didnt have enough time, work consumed his time and some of his friends wouldnt hear from him for weeks or months at a time, he said some friends were offended he didnt call as much or never. He was a hermit. I called him just to leave a message even though he didnt have time. When he did, he would surface and call me ro catch up.
When we would talk, I could tell that he loved his family, he would talk about his mom,dad, his sister and her children...he was fond of his nephews, he said they called him uncle buck. His mom he wanted to make sure she was taken care of, he was always there visiting. When we talked about his father we were comparing notes, my father was the same age and his father he had similar medical procedure as my father.
He talked about his family lot.

When my mother passed away in 2005, (her birthday is the same as James coinsidentally). James called me almost eveyday to see if I was doing okay. He was always thoughtful and caring.

In the last few years, I havent seen much of him. We had different timeframes. He was in texas when I would call. His time was consumed with his mom. He wanted to make sure she was okay.

This is my eulogy, I was not able to attend your funeral, because I didnt know until yesterday. I will miss you my friend, I always enjoyed your laughter, your smile, I love you my friend, all my aloha,

Lori Kellett

December 4, 2019

May you always be remembered ...james.

Bali, Indonesia august 1997, on a fake wave and surfboard

Lori Lee Kellett

December 4, 2019

James in bali 1997

Lori Lee Kellett

December 4, 2019

May 7, 2019

Known James for forty years..Sorry to here about James passing. I was stunned by the news. I will never forget the Orange Wood surf Club parties in Corpus. Late nite trips to Kiko's for Mexican food. Pub crawls, parties, jet ski trips to Lake Travis, and working at the Board Walk Beach Club on Sixth street in Austin with Wally. That dry wit, sense of humor, and mischievous way, made him the life of the party and fun to be around. Lost my wing-man, and good friend. Gone, but wont be forgotten.
My deepest condolences to the Neal family and friends.

Keith Stephenson,
Tyler Texas

Thomas Wigington

April 19, 2019

I am sorry for your loss. Always remember that God is loving and kind and He cares for you. 1Peter 5:6,7

Suzanne Surtees

April 19, 2019

My Dad and I worked with Jamie on Corina, Corina. He was a funny, easy going guy who enjoyed life to the fullest. He will be missed. So sorry for your loss.

April 15, 2019

Jerry--I am so sorry you have lost a son.
I pray for comfort for the heartfelt pain of grief
this must bring you, all who knew him, and who know you.
Ed Gilpin, Miller '56

Jud Hall

April 14, 2019

James was a great man and a world traveling
surfer. The time I spent around him was always
enjoyable.

a loved one

Sent Flowers

Paulette Redlew

April 13, 2019

So sad to hear about James. I have known him for probably 20 years and enjoyed talking with him each and every time we spoke. Such a lover of life and funny funny human being. I love to hear him call and say Paulette you're never going to guess what happened.

Perry Russell

April 12, 2019

Will miss you James!! So generous, such a huge heart, such an all around good guy. Lots of good memories. So sorry to Holly and all of James' family.

perry russell

April 12, 2019

We will miss you James! Always so generous, so funny, such a huge heart and all around good guy!
Perry

David Pearlberg

April 11, 2019

Those of us who worked with James in Los Angeles on Greys Anatomy and many other productions were deeply saddened to hear of his untimely passing.

Kim Scarborough Gelabert & Kids

April 11, 2019

All our love and prayers.

Allen Lassiter

April 11, 2019

What can be said about "Wally?" First thing that comes to mind when I think of him is FUN. Always up to something and always having a good time. Never a dull moment, that's for sure!
All those that knew him were better for it.
We lost a legend.
Sincerest condolences to the family and his huge circle of friends.

The Spirited Grace Lily Bouquet - VASE INCLUDED

a loved one

Sent Flowers

David Oakes

April 10, 2019

Dear Neal Family,
So sorry to read about the lost of James. I still remember him from 1st & 2nd grades at Schanen Elementary! Then on to Browne MS and Carroll HS. I always remember James as just a good, nice, easy going guy. Sounds like he had a great life doing what he loved. Thoughts and prayers to your family.

Tammy Trace Purcell

April 10, 2019

Mrs. Neal, I am so very sorry for the loss of James. You and your family are in my prayers.

Carolyn Antonetz

April 10, 2019

Mrs Neal
I am very saddened by James's passing. He was a good friend to us all at Tom Browne and Carroll High school . My deepest condolences to you and your family and prayers for comfort and peace as you grieve the loss of your son.
Blessings,
Carolyn Wier Antonetz