James O'Neil

Mr. James "Jim" Myron O'Neil, age 85 passed away peacefully on February 25, 2021 in Broome School Community. He was a long-time resident of Pascagoula.
Jim was born to James William O'Neil and Myra O'Donnell O'Neil in Meridian, MS and was raised in Long Creek, MS where his family farmed and lived off the land.
Jim served 7 years in the United States Air Force then attended Auburn University to pursue a higher education. His career as an Engineer took him several places including Monroe, LA, Metairie, LA and Pascagoula, MS.
Jim settled in Pascagoula, Mississippi in 1970 where he and his wife Patricia raised their three boys: Jay, Pat and Geoff. The O'Neil's quickly became a well-known family in the Pascagoula community. With his family, Jim joined Sacred Heart Catholic Church where he was an active parishioner for many years. He also served as choir member, pianist, choir director, Knights of Columbus member and supported Resurrection Catholic School. He was employed by Ingalls Shipbuilding for 35 years and retired in 2005.
His favorite pastime was hunting and he was a lifelong member of the NRA. He was also an avid animal lover.
He was the patriarch of the O'Neil family and lived a very honest and authentic life. Many people looked up to Jim as the best man they ever knew and he will carry a special place in the heart of many lives. His memory will always be cherished.
He was preceded in death by his parents James and Myra O'Neil, and brother, William Thomas O'Neil.
Left behind to cherish his memory include his beloved wife of 62 years, Patricia Moran O'Neil of Pascagoula; three sons, James M. "Jay" O'Neil (Karen) of Broome Community, Richard "Geoff" O'Neil of Portland, OR, Jonathan "Pat" O'Neil of Pearl, MS; nine grandchildren, James F. "Jamie" O'Neil of Gulfport, Alex Moran O'Neil of Lucedale, Geoffrey Curtis O'Neil of Portland, OR, Piper O'Neil and Colin O'Neil of Pearl, Sammie Jo Byrd and Michael D. Williams of Lucedale, Meghan Jones of Gautier and Brooke Houston of Laurel; six great-grandchildren, Emma and Regon Williams, Camryn and Carter Torres, and Kiley and Kathlyn McKenzie; one niece, Elizabeth O'Neil; one nephew, William "Billy" O'Neil; and numerous other relatives.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at 12:00 PM with visitation starting at 11:00 AM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 6705 Jim Ramsey Rd. Vancleave , MS. Burial will follow at Havard Family Cemetery in Broome School Community. Pallbearers will be Jay O'Neil, Pat O'Neil, Jamie O'Neil, Alex O'Neil, Tommy Porter and Jerry Grimme. Honorary Pallbearers will be Colin O'Neil and James Trease.
RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 13872 Lemoyne Blvd. West Jackson County is serving the family. An online obituary may be viewed and memories and photos shared at www.RiemannFamily.com