James D. McNeil

James Dale McNeil, 91, of Atkinson, passed away on Sunday, November 5, 2023, at his home.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Atkinson.  Reverend S. Stephen Engelbrecht will celebrate.  Burial will follow at St. Anthony Cemetery, Atkinson.  Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 10, 2023, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Atkinson Chapel.  A Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 3:30 p.m., prior to the visitation at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Atkinson Fire and Rescue Squad.  Online condolences may be left at www.vandemorefuneralhome.com.

James was born on February 15, 1932, the son of Michael McNeil and Mary (Vandersnick) Welvert, in Annawan, IL.  He graduated from Atkinson High School, class of 1950.  On February 12, 1955, James married Shirley VanRie and she survives. He proudly served in the United States Navy during the Korean War.  Jim was employed at International Harvester and Rock Island Arsenal, as a machinist, until retiring in 1995.  James was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church where he served as a lector.  He enjoyed rolle bolle and was a member of the Atkinson Boulder’s Club, an avid Notre Dame and Chicago Cubs fan, coached youth baseball in Atkinson, and especially loved going to his grandchildren’s sporting events.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Shirley McNeil of Atkinson; children, Marty (Cindy) McNeil of Atkinson, Mitch (Maribeth) McNeil of Atkinson, Michaela (Mike) Egert of Peoria; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

James was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, and brothers-in-law.

The family would like to offer a special thank you to Jim and Lori Hamer for being such wonderful and helpful neighbors.