James N. (James) Neal

James "Jim" E. Neal went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 2, 2012.
He will be greatly missed by his wife Lillian Boeve Neal, and daughters and sons-in law Elizabeth Neal Goldman (Eric) of Newberry, SC, and Martha Neal Morris (Mark) of Savannah, Ga. Some of his greatest joys in life were his grandchildren: Eric J. and Laura S. Goldman of Indianapolis, IN, Erica Goldman and Evan Goldman of Newberry, SC, Kevin Morris, Kirsten Morris, Julianna Morris, and Joshua Morris of Savannah, GA.
Jim was born in Muskegon, MI, on July 11, 1932. He graduated from Muskegon High School in 1950 and earned his Eagle Scout rank. He attended Michigan State University, where he earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees in forestry. He played center for the Michigan State football team and played on the winning Rose Bowl Team of 1954. He is in the College Sports Hall of Fame in Muskegon, MI, was drafted by the Detroit Lions, and was featured on a bubble gum football card. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant through the Army ROTC program and completed his Armor Officer Basic Course at Ft. Knox, KY.
Jim worked for the West Virginia Pulp & Paper Company (Wesvaco) in Clinton, SC, the Michigan State Cooperative Extension, and then retired from the University of Georgia Extension Service as Southern Region Extension Forester of Forestry for 13 land-grant universities in the Southeastern United States. In 1991 he was elected a Fellow by the Society of American Foresters for his service to forestry .
However, Jim's greatest joy was sharing Jesus Christ with friends and strangers. In the many places they lived, he was very active in teaching and evangelism with his church. He was currently a member of Christian Renewal Church of Brunswick, GA. He and Lillian were involved in missions for over 20 years. This led to over 45 mission trips in Central and South America, including Nicaragua, Cuba, Ecuador, and Honduras.
The family will receive friends on Friday, April 6th from 12-2 PM at Lord and Stephens Funeral Home- Athens West. The funeral service will be immediately following, conducted by Pastor Terry Ross.
Remembrances: In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to Acts 1:8 at P.O Box 23, Cedartown, GA 30125 or the Building Fund of Christian Renewal Church, Brunswick, GA. A memorial service will be held in Brunswick, GA, at a later date.