James Willis Neal

James W. Neal Sunrise - March 24, 1926 Sunset - January 25, 2023 James W. Neal, born in Palatka, Florida on 3/24/1926 to James Leroy Neal and Rosa Dunbar Neal. His family moved to Jacksonville, Florida at an early age where he completed his high school years at Stanton High School. (He proudly reminds us that this was the same school where James Weldon Johnson completed his high school years). After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II from 1943-47, Jim graduated from Florida A. and M. University in 1952 with a BS in health and physical education. His first job was as a PE teacher and coach in Quincy Florida, 1953-57. He later matriculated at University of Michigan where he received his Master's degree in Administration of Health and Physical Education in 1958. He was employed for a couple of years at the University of Michigan Neuropsychiatric Institute as an attendant before being hired at Maxey Training School as a special education teacher, coach, and athletic director from 1960 until his retirement in 1988. He married Mary Christina Whitehurst on Oct 8, 1950, in Tallahassee, Fl. After several years they moved to Ann Arbor, Mich. to attend graduate school at the University of Michigan where they both became avid Wolverine fans. Jim loved to sing and had a beautiful voice. He sang with the Our Own Thing Chorale in Ann Arbor and love to participate where he lived at Sunrise Parham Road with the afternoon sing-along. Jim loved outdoor activities particularly fishing and playing golf whenever the weather allowed. He especially loved to talk about the hole-in-one which he made while living in Michigan. He was always loyal to the organizations to which he belonged; Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity- Life member; Worshipful Master of St. Mary's Lodge #7, Ann Arbor, Michigan; N.A.A.C.P.; Richmond Consistory #20A; Scottish Rite 33rd degree Mason; and Gamma Rho Boule'. He became an active member of Beta Gamma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha and the Masonic Commonwealth Lodge # 81 here in Richmond, VA. After the passing of his wife, Christina Whitehurst Neal, in 2004 Jim moved from Ann Arbor to Richmond, Virginia where he has resided for his remaining years. He made this choice to be near his in-laws Michelle Whitehurst--Cook (Levi his golf buddy), Barbara Whitehurst-Malone, William Whitehurst, Jr., and their families. Upon moving to Richmond Jim joined St. Philip's Episcopal Church, where he has continued to expand his Christian life and has enjoyed serving in the food pantry operated by the church. Jim developed a full life in Richmond, making many friends, and being active and dedicated to the organizations to which he belonged. Jim found a second family with the Spurlock's and Harrell's with whom he spent many cherished occasions. Special dedicated friends were his fraternity brother, Mr. Wendell Foster, and St. Phillips member Mrs. Sherrard Gardner. In addition to his wife, Jim was preceded in death by his father James Leroy Neal, mother Rosa Dunbar Neal, only sister, Nadine Neal Blackman, and niece Cherie Bevins. He is survived by great-niece Felicia (Tony) Spears, great-great niece Britney Bevins , great great-great nephews;Jaden Bevins,Ivan Bevins,Gavin Bevins and Delvin Taylor all of Jacksonville, Florida and Everett (Tarnisha) Bevins, great-great niece Alexis Bevins Lakeworth, Florida, his in-laws Michelle, Barbara, and William Jr. and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Also mourning his memories are his very dear friend LaVerne Spurlock and her daughter and son-law, Carla and Adam Harrell. Special dedicated friends were his fraternity brother Mr. Wendell Foster and St. Phillips member Mrs. Sherrard Gardner.

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James Willis Neal

March 24, 1926 - January 25, 2023