James "Jim" Howard McNeil

Glade Spring, VA

James "Jim" Howard McNeil, age 86, passed away on July 29, 2025, at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon, Virginia.

Jim was born on April 8, 1939 to the late James and Nettie McNeil. Jim proudly served his country in the United States Army, retiring as a Master Sergeant. He joined the Army at the age of 17 and served in both Korea and Vietnam, where he was known as a skilled sharpshooter. He spent several years stationed in Germany, where he met and married his wife. After his military service, Jim lived in San Antonio, Texas, for most of his life and retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 27 years of dedicated work. He was a perfectionist in everything he did and loved spending his free time fishing. After the passing of his wife, Jim moved to Glade Spring, Virginia, to live with his sister, Lois during his final years. He became an active member of Lighthouse Baptist Church, where he cherished his church family and loved attending services. Jim will be remembered for his love of family, his faith, and his proud service to his country.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Hildegard Giestner McNeil.

Left to cherish his memory are his siblings, Roger McNeil and wife Jean, Margaret O'Neil, Dorothy Pruitt and husband Harry, Lois Hale, David McNeil, and Bonnie Woodward and husband Michael; his family from Germany who he adored; and several nieces and nephews who loved their "Uncle Jim."

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at Lighthouse Baptist Church with Pastor Terry Frye and Pastor Benny Frye officiating. The family will be receiving friends from 1 until 2 p.m. prior to the service. Military rites will be rendered by the United States Army.

Flowers will be accepted and are appreciated, but donations may be made in Jim's honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html

Online condolences may be expressed at drhendersonfuneralhome.com. The D.R. Henderson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of James "Jim" Howard McNeil.