James E. MacNeal

James E. MacNeal, a lifetime resident of the Southport community, passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025, at age 78. He was born in 1946 to the late Raymond and Bessie (Lev) MacNeal. After graduating from Southside High School in 1966, Jim began his career proudly serving in the United States Navy. In 1968, he married the love of his life, Judy Johnson, and together they shared 57 wonderful years of marriage built on love, respect, and devotion. Jim worked over 30 years for New York State Electric & Gas. An avid outdoorsman, Jim had a deep love for fishing and hunting. Many cherished memories were made on the waters of Seneca Lake, where he found peace and joy throughout his life. Above all, Jim’s greatest pride was his family. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and loyalty that will continue to inspire those who knew him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his mother-in-law Mary Johnson, his brother-in-law Donald Johnson, and his son-in-law Albert Grantier.

He is survived by: his beloved wife Judy (Johnson) MacNeal; his children – Joan Rice (Brian), Jill Grantier, Joel MacNeal, and John MacNeal (Kim); his grandchildren – Elizabeth, Andrew (Amelia), Jonah, Juliana, Devin, Hunter, Grace, Dakota, Brayden, and Lily; his great-grandchildren – Braighee and Bentley; his brother Dave MacNeal (Sally); his sisters-in-law Lonna Johnson Wales and Patricia Knowlton (Tom); as well as nieces, nephews and many cousins, including Chris Lev.

Friends and family are invited to Olthof Funeral Home, 1050 Pennsylvania Avenue in Elmira, for a visitation on Friday, September 12, from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM, when his funeral service will begin. Burial with military honors will follow immediately at Rural Home Cemetery in Big Flats, NY.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Jim may make a donation to the Chemung County Habitat for Humanity Ramp Program, P.O. Box 3110, Elmira, NY 14905.

A special thanks to Erway Ambulance, Southport Fire Department, and to the volunteers that built Jim’s ramp.

He will be deeply missed, but the memory of his steadfast love and joyful spirit will live on in the stories shared by all who were fortunate to know him.