James M. "Jim" Neel, passed away on Sunday, December 7, 2014. Jim was born in Jackson County, Florida on November 27, 1924. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Frances Neel and children, Jim Neel Jr, Shirley Spencer, Dr. Roger Spencer (Beth), David Spencer (Kim), and grandchildren, Taylor Spencer, Nathan Spencer, Alex Anne Spencer, Dailen Spencer and Michelle Thayer, great grandchild, Evan Thayer. He is also survived by his sister, Johnnie Mae Kirkland, of Cairo, GA and sister-in-law, Wilma Neel of Carrabelle.
Jim served his country during World War II as an Army Medical Technician in the European Theatre.
After the war, he lived in Panama City and became a mechanic. He later joined the Panama City Police Department and retired from there as a sergeant. After retirement, he began another career with the Panama City – Bay County Regional Airport where he served as the Supervisor of Maintenance and Operations and then as General Manager.
His greatest joys were rebuilding cars and tractors, and spending time with his grandchildren. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to Dr. William Flynn and staff and to Covenant Hospice for their support and care.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. David Buchanan officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Memorial Gardens with honors provided by the Panama City Police Department Honor Guard. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 6 – 8 p.m.