James William O'Neill

"I'm not dying", until he did. Stubborn to the end, and always a fighter, alas, Jim's body had other plans.

Son of Bob and Irma, brother to Mike, Bob, Pam, and Tom,

his 82 years were fully lived, and often challenging... sometimes his own doing, if we're being honest here. In those years he had many chapters. A city boy born and raised in Chicago, where legend has it (as told by Jim himself) he was quite the rascal in his younger years. He was happy to regale anyone in earshot with stories from his youth and through his early career. He was an ad man of the Mad Men era, where a three martini ...or more..lunch was the norm. Sales was his specialty and he was a natural. The gift of Blarney some might say. He eventually took it on the road and moved to New York to continue his craft in the Big Apple, but he ultimately settled in Florida. He left behind the world of big company sales, but never stopped schmoozing. Did anyone see a pale, red-haired, freckled man, who burned at the mention of sun, settling in the Sunshine State? Always full of surprises, that Jimbo!

It was in Florida one special Sunday that Jim went to church and met Lucy. That day started the best and final chapter of Jim's life, and for more than 25 years, he had a partner in crime to spend time with. Now, some of you know how cranky Jim could be, but it was no match for Lucy's Italian nature, and it was magical! He was put in his place often and learned he couldn't yell and get his own way all the time. And he wasn't always right.

Their life was full of love , and he was taken care of until his very last breath, in their home.

Jim proudly bragged often about his 10 kids, as he considered his and Lucy's all theirs. While he was not always good at showing it, he loved them all very much.

His many grandchildren brought him joy...and bragging rights around the pool (always in the shade--sunburn prevention , you know), and he recently became a great-grandpa for the first time.

He checked a lot of boxes, and filled that dash between his dates with a lot of stuff. I hope he felt fulfilled!

Fly high, Jim! And for those so inclined, please raise a glass of your choice (alcohol not required) in your memories of Jim.

May your glass be ever full.

May the roof over your head be always strong.

And may you be in heaven half an hour before the devil knows you're dead.

No formal services will be taking place, as were his wishes. Cremation will be followed by a private prayer service for one final send-off of the man, the myth, the legend that was Jim O'Neill.