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Obituaries » James "Jim" A. McNeil
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A private ceremony will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan, where Jim will be laid to rest with military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Society for Suicide Prevention, a cause meaningful to his family. Those who knew Jim will remember his generous spirit, his humor, and his love for a good game. He is sure to be sitting at the big table playing Euchre, waiting patiently for the rest of the McNeil clan to join the game, as Jim would say—bet you a dollar.
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James Allen “Jim” McNeil, 83, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Born on December 16, 1942, in Ann Arbor, he grew up in Traverse City surrounded by the warmth of a large family. The son of James and Alice McNeil, Jim developed early on the sense of humor, intelligence, and generosity that would define his life.
After proudly serving in the U.S. Army, Jim pursued higher education at Western Michigan University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. Jim married Marti, and although they were better apart than together, theirs was a lasting bond of devotion and companionship. Marti remained his best friend and caregiver throughout the years. Together they built a family grounded in humor and kindness. Whether he was playing cards, ribbing friends over a close game, or making a lighthearted sports bet, Jim approached everything with warmth and good nature. His generosity was quiet but constant—he was always the first to lend a hand and the last to expect thanks.
Jim is survived by Marti McNeil of Kalamazoo; his son Jim McNeil of Kalamazoo; his daughter Janna McNeil of Battle Creek; his granddaughter Madison McNeil; his siblings Diane (Tom) Carroll, Patrick (Andrea) McNeil, Daniel (Judy) McNeil, Margaret “Peg” (Paul) Merica, Mark McNeil, and sister-in-law Pat McNeil. His parents James and Alice, his grandson Paul (PJ) Jean, and his brother Lawrence “Larry” McNeil preceded him in death
