James "Jimmy" Charles McNeill

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Mr. James Charles McNeill “Jimmy,” age 71, of North Wilkesboro departed this life on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at Atrium Health-Wake Forest Baptist-Wilkes Medical Center. 

Funeral services will be held 12:00 PM Thursday, November 16, 2023 at Reins-Sturdivant Chapel with Rev. Joe Call officiating.  Entombment will be in Mountlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 PM Wednesday evening at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home.

James was born on March 6, 1952 in North Wilkesboro, NC.  He was of the Baptist faith. 

As a young boy, Jimmy was always curious and often took his toys apart to see how they worked. Any repairman better be prepared to answer a hundred questions for him. As he matured, he showed a talent for art with his sketches of dragons and cars. He graduated from Wilkes Central High School where he had developed an interest in welding and mechanics. 

Always a hard worker, he was employed by Jack’s Drive-In as a teenager.  Later he helped his father in the family taxi business.  For many years he worked as a truck driver for Louisiana Pacific (formerly Abitibi) where he was recognized for his safe driving.  After retirement from Louisiana Pacific as a driver, he finished out his working career there as a guard up until 2016. 

He was devoted to his family and loved spending time with his daughters and his grandchildren.  Together they gardened, worked on cars, drew and painted pictures, and played cards.  He loved to sing at church and would lead the youth group when they sang at nursing homes.  His best achievement was bringing up two successful, loving, and kind daughters.  

James was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Donald McNeill and Dorothy Marie Gambill McNeill. 

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, JoAnn Johnson McNeill of the home; two daughters, Rita Ann Ray (Randy) of North Wilkesboro and Angie Nichols (Tim) of Millers Creek; brothers, Terry “Butch” McNeill (Melissa), Joseph McNeill (Martha), Russell McNeill (Elaina), and Darryl McNeill (Beverly); sisters, Barbara Sharp (Michael) and Janice Eller (Max); grandchildren, Daniel Ray, John Ray, Autumn Ray, Hannah Ray, and Riley Nichols; and many nieces and nephews. 

Flowers will be accepted.   

Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.reinssturdivant.com.

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