James Anthony O'Neill

1949 - 2025

With a heavy heart we announce the passing of James O'Neill on May 28, 2025. In his final moments he was surrounded by his beloved wife Karen and children Sarah, Heather and Patrick. Jim was born February 13, 1949, in Artesia, CA to Robert and Esma O'Neill. He was 76.

His family moved to Ridgecrest, CA (Mojave Desert) in 1950. He loved growing up in the desert, looking for rocks, riding dirt bikes, and hiking the mountains with his two sisters and brother. Jim knew every mountain in that region by name. In later years, he explored the desolation of Nevada with his dad where they came upon ghost towns, and it developed his interest in charcoal kilns. Jim documented many of them and had a paper published about his findings. He also gave talks to historical societies about them and their purpose in the silver industry in the 1800s.

After graduating high school early, he enlisted in the US Army in 1967 and spent his service time in Stuttgart, Germany as a technical illustrator/draftsman/artist. He explored Europe and always talked about visiting East Germany and crossing Check Point Charlie. He was Honorably Discharged with the rank of Specialist E5 (Technical Sergeant). His awards and decorations were Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.

Upon returning home, he attended CA State University, Fullerton, his majors were art and illustration. He then worked at Hughes Aircraft in Fullerton. In 1979 he went to work at Mare Island Naval Shipyard in Vallejo and lived in Napa. He met the love of his life, Karen in 1980 in Napa and they married in 1981.

When Mare Island closed, he was employed for a short time at Janus Corp., then accepted the position as County of Napa 4H Youth Development Advisor. He worked there for two decades and took great pride in knowing the hundreds of families (adults and children) that were members. He was also very involved in the Las Posadas 4H Camp program and served as Camp Dad. He always made an extra effort to make sure camp ran well and the campers made fond, life-long memories.

He immediately became a member of Karen's family and went on many camping trips as well as preparing many family dinners. His handyman skills lead to him fixing many household things for members of the entire family.

He enjoyed Karen's long association with Robert Mondavi Winery and attended many functions, toured Europe twice with the Mondavi family and helped with art shows, the summer concerts, and made many friends of the employees there.

After retiring in 2019 he diligently searched for new recipes to try and became the family chef. He also became a full-time gardener and "dog dad" to his puppies Sochi and Sitka who followed him around constantly.

He attended all the kids' softball, soccer, volleyball, football games as well as band concerts. Since the kids were in many sporting events throughout the Western United States his love of maps and road trips were a joy for him, and he always found the most direct route. He followed through with attendance at his granddaughter's softball and soccer games. Jim was proud of the professional accomplishments and advanced degrees of his children.

Jim is survived by his wife Karen (Davis) of 43 years, daughter Sarah Blasczynski (Jason), daughter Heather Oja (Stephen), and son Patrick (fiancée Niki) as well as the lights of his life grandchildren Eleanor Oja and Clayton Oja. He is also survived by his sister Jean McBride, brother Robert O'Neill, and many extended family. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister Pat Carboni.

A celebration of Life will be held at Tulocay Cemetery in Napa on July 18 at 11:00 a.m.

Donations may be made in Jim's name to Napa County 4H, note Jim O'Neill Memorial Scholarship Fund; UCCE Napa, 4H Scholarship Fund, 1710 Soscol Avenue, Suite 4, Napa, CA 94559. James Anthony O'Neill