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Mr. James H. Neal, of Somerset, Kentucky, passed from this life on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at Baptist Health in Lexington, Kentucky. James was more than just a man, he was a legacy of love and kindness. To all who came in contact with him throughout his life he left a memorable impression. He was raised in a Christian family who loved to share Gods word of eternal life.
James was born on April 11, 1958 to the late Rev. William Jess Neal and Hazel King Neal in New Castle, Indiana.
He enjoyed building, fishing in Canada, playing guitar, picking and singing with his friends. He was a son first, then husband, then father, then grandfather.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Patricia Lynn Neal, brothers: Jesse Junior Neal, Joe Neal, Donald Neal, infant- Phillip Ray Neal, sisters: Ona Stecher and Julia Baker; along with special best friend: Jerry Wayne Floyd (Robin).
He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife of 50 years, Ruth Neal, daughter Melissa Meadows (Jeff) of Somerset; sister Anna Haler (Ronald) of Morgantown, IN; grandchildren: Savannah Perdue (Logan Tomlinson) Jimmy Ray Purdue III (Gabbie), Jordan Meadows, and Ethan Meadows.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 from 11am-1pm in the Chapel of the Southern Oaks Funeral Home with a funeral service to begin at 1pm with Bro. Rob Freeman officiating. Burial will follow in Grave Hill Cemetery.
Southern Oaks Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements
Uncle Crawldad, I love you so much and I’m gonna forever miss you. Life is definitely not going to be the same. I am so blessed that we got to spend the time we did together making our tik toks and having our talks together. My heart is so broken, please watch over Aunt Ruthann, Melissa , Savannah&Jimmy Ray. You always said keep your faith I’m definitely trying even in this storm. I love you so much bushel and peck hugs and kisses to infinity and beyond.🙏🫶💙
James was a great guy !! He will be greatly missed !! Lots of love to Ruth, Mellisa ,Jeff ,Savannah & Jimmy . May his legacy and love live on forever in the hearts of his loved ones . Jeff Price BGKY
Mr Neal was a kind and caring man who simply adored and lived for his family. He told Ruth Ann and Melissa to tell me when my foot healed, we would dance a jig. We didn’t get to do that, but we will. I will see him again and we will kick up our heals on those streets of gold! May God bless your wonderful, beautiful family and wrap his loving arms around them as they reflect on your memory. May they have peace in knowing that those who believe in Christ never die, but shall have eternal life. Rest in peace my sweet friend.
A wonderful Man I Will Miss you Uncle James
I try each day to get an answer why you had to leave. Yes only God Knows that answer. James was a big support to all of his family his ammitate as well his extended. Which consisted of at least 21 nieces and nephews plus great and great great. If they all were able to have a special story or a special relationship memories to always carry in our hearts. He may have also made you feel like a brother as he did I. I always laughed when he remind me of certain story’s. I will never forget and I forgive you for tying me up to a tree and running off to town on your bike with out me. I am sorry you got in trouble. I will miss you when you was working in town and kayed over. You always had the house key. And a place to rest. You were my hero always will be. I WILL MISS YOU FOREVER I will meet you one day in Heave. I love you Uncle James. I thank God He put you in my life.
Such a wonderful, kind, caring, loving, funny man, my Uncle James ❤️ HE was like a brother to me, as we grew up together, being only 2 years apart. He loved to remind me that he use to play Barbies with me 😁. He never met a stranger and was the life of the party, loved by everyone. The greater the love, the greater the grief, and this one hits hard, and I wouldn’t wish it any other way. You’ve gone HOME James where you will continue to be the wonderful person you are, and we will all miss you until we see you again. I Love You ❤️
Thank You James, for nearly 40 years of friendship, laughs, and family. You are one of those rare individuals who have a pure soul. Your kindness, selflessness, and love for others never wavered. Jerry and I, and the kids, were so lucky to be neighbors and friends for so long and to be considered family by you. The only thing that helps us in losing you is to know that you are free from pain and the worries of this world. I have no doubt you were welcomed by so many loved ones who have gone on before you. Rest well my friend. We will miss you every day.
Rest in peace James. I always enjoyed working with you.