James McNeil

James McNeil

September 12, 1933 - June 23, 2023

Send Flowers

Obituary

MADISON -James H. McNeil passed away on Friday, June 23, 2023, at home. Jim was born on Sept. 12, 1933.

He pursued a career in the military spanning 42 years, spending four years on active duty with the U.S. Navy during the Korean War serving on the USS WASP Aircraft Carrier. After his enlistment in the U.S. Navy, Jim enlisted in the USAF Wisconsin Air National Guard and retired in 1993. He was a member of various organizations and a life-long racquetball player. He traveled extensively in the military and in civilian life, especially with the love of his life, Elaine, on their GoldWing.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Elaine; stepson, Craig (Carole) Mason; grandsons, Nick and Jeff Mason; daughter, Michelle (Mark) Krause; and grandsons, Matthew and Maxwell Krause. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters and brothers.

His wishes were for his body to be donated for research. Memorials in Jim’s name, may be made to Agrace HospiceCare or Gilda's Club of Madison. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson East

Funeral & Funeral Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420


Events

09
Memorial Service
Sat Sep 9, 2023 @ 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM CDT
Messiah Lutheran Church Scholarship Fund • 5202 Cottage Grove Rd., Madison, WI 53716
Get Directions
09
Visitation
Sat Sep 9, 2023 @ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM CDT
Messiah Lutheran Church Scholarship Fund • 5202 Cottage Grove Rd., Madison, WI 53716
Get Directions

Photos

Add photos
of James
No photos of James have been shared yet.

Memories

Add a memory of
James
V
Val
Other •
I will never forget how fun & welcoming Jim & Elaine were to me when I first started attending Messiah Lutheran Church. Jim would always make me laugh & I will miss his “ribbing.” They are so generous & joyful; we need more people like them! Love you both!
JS
Julie G Selje
Other •
My condolences to Elaine and family. I worked/knew Elaine when I worked with the Army Guard.
M
Marlene
Other •
Great times we had with the Wheels Up Group. This is will always be our saying, along with Elevator!! I will never forget you. Your niece. Marlene
D
Dave
Other •
I am just a neighbor of Jim and Elaine but in the last 2 years Jim and I have become good friends. We would go out to lunch every so often and solve worldly problems. He was always so insightful and gave his input with thought and vigor. But he was very kind and I considered him a gentlemen's gentleman.
KH
Kara Herrmann-Zakula
Other •
I will never forget as a young impressionable guardsmen what a great person and influence McNeil had on me. He was a great presence, teacher and all around good person who has left a life long impression on me. After all the years that have passed I can still hear his daily greeting! My condolences to Elaine and Family. K Herrmann-Zakula
BF
Bryon "Buckwheat" Follansbee
Other •
MC was just an amazing man. I too was taken under his wing as a young guardsmen. He and I used to play racketball together. We ran into each other crossing fir shots and we laid on the floor in pain laughing for a long time. He was smart, funny and kind. He is a soul that will be missed here. Rest in Peace, MC. It was an honor to know u!

Share memorial