James Hiller Neal, 91 of Foley, formerly of Arley, entered peacefully into Jesus arms at
his home, surrounded by family and friends, on Saturday, May 25, 2024.
He was born on August 13, 1932 in Arley, Alabama. He was a graduate of Meek High
School, Class of 1950, and enrolled at the University of Alabama at the tender age of 17
(Roll Tide!). Jim was a faithful servant of God and loved his country abundantly. After
school, he served in the Marine Corps and was later ordained as a deacon at Green Acres
Baptist Church in Birmingham. He continued to serve as a deacon in his home churches
throughout his life.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 p.m. at Nichols Funeral Home in Addison, with services to begin at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel. Burial will be at Arley First Baptist Church in Arley. Reverend Tim Parrish will officiate.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Carla (Kevin) Klingler; son, Steve (Joanne) Neal;
the family continued to grow with grandchildren, Sarah Klingler, Jimmy (Lindsey),
Wesley Neal, and Lexy (Mitch) Sanford; 11 great grandchildren; and 3 great-great
grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Joan Wood, Denise Plaia, and Xan (Barry) Simmons; and a host of beloved nieces and nephews. Jim is further survived by his wife, Pat Sherman. With Pat, Jim’s family continued to grow and multiply with a large “bonus” family that includes 3 children; Ricky (Mel) Sherman, Angela (Craig) Thompson, and Scott (Yuliia) Sherman, along with 9 more beautiful grandchildren. Jim also loved his cousins, who were his best friends and confidants throughout his life.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Neal; parents, Pascal and Irene Neal;
sister, Lingo (W.G.) Campbell; granddaughter, Carrie Klingler; in-laws, J.D. and Arvie
Wood, Sam Plaia, and Jearl Wood; and nephews, Bill Campbell and Sammy Plaia.
Jim loved adventures, travel, any kind of games, and, most of all, he loved Alabama
football (Roll Tide!). He and Frances traveled the world and fully enjoyed life together
for 68 years. Jim was so blessed to find another perfect love to share his later years. He
and Pat both knew their time together was a blessing from God, and their care for each
other was so important in filling each day with love up to the very last moment of Jim’s
time on earth.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alabama Baptist
Children Home, Post Office Box 1805, Decatur, Alabama 35602.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.nicholsfuneralhomes.com
