James Neal

1926 - 2016

V. James Neal TUCSON, AZ - Jim was born in Schenectady, NY on 2/11/26. He was married to Doris Jean Bates July 4, 1948, for 68 wonderful years. He passed away on October 2, 2016, in Tucson, AZ from congestive heart failure. Jim is survived by his wife Doris, of Green Valley, AZ and two sons: Michael J Neal of East Dorset, VT, and Gregory J. Neal of Evergreen, CO; one grandson, Tucker; one sister Leona Micheli; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one brother, Leonard Neal. Jim was a graduate of Mont Pleasant High School, Schenectady, NY, Class of 1944. He served in the US Air Force as a Radio Technician, in Goose Bay, Labrador, for 4 years. He also studied through the General Electric Electrical Engineering Program, and was employed by GE for 30 years. Jim worked at their facilities in Malta, NY; West Milton, NY; and Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, Niskayuna, NY. His work involved the electrical systems for the SeaWolf and Triton Submarines. Jim had many interests, including coaching both of his sons in Minor and Little League Baseball. He also coached them in speedskating, with the Saratoga Winter Club. He was a Past President of the Northern NY Speedskating Assn., and was an announcer at many of the skating meets throughout the Northeast. Jim was a member of the Saratoga Racing City Chorus and the popular quartet “Grandmas Boyfriends”. He was a member of the Saratoga Lake Sailing Club, with several wins in the Kestrel Division. He also competed in the 24 Hour Lake George to Ticonderoga Sailing Race, and won it twice: once overall, and once in his division. Jim was an avid golfer and won the Senior Club Championship in Green Valley, AZ, in recent years. Jim and his family enjoyed camping in the Adirondacks; spending summers on Lake George; and skiing in the Adirondacks and Vermont. Jim and Doris traveled extensively after his retirement. Having raised their family in Saratoga Springs, NY, they then lived on Galway Lake, NY, and in Key Largo, FL, in the winters. They settled permanently in Green Valley, AZ in 2000.. Jim donated his body to the University of Arizona for research. There will be a Mass on November 4th, at 1 PM, at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, in Green Valley, AZ. The family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, make donations in Jim’s name, to your favorite charity.