James “Jim” W. Neal, age 71, of Abingdon, Illinois, died at 3:33 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7, 2026, at home.
Jim was born on January 10, 1955, in rural Warren County to James Earnest “Ernie” and Lenora (Powell) Neal. Lenora passed away when Jim was young. His father later married Dollie (Logsden) Neal, who raised Jim as her own. Jim married Rita Hepner on November 16, 1974, in Wataga, Illinois.
Surviving are his wife, Rita, of Abingdon; his children, Jason (Alicia) Neal of Loveland, Ohio, and Jeff Neal (Heather Thompson) of Abingdon; his grandchildren, Audrey Neal and Wyatt Neal; and his bonus grandchildren, Mylissa Alvarado and Jeremiah Armstrong. He is also survived by his siblings, Christine (Larry) Myers, Sue Vestal, Linda Hall, Terry (Marsha) Neal, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and great friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Rex Harwood; one sister, Thelma Cantrell; one sister, Cindy Peterman, who passed the same day as him; three brothers-in-law, Jim Vestal, Dale Hall, and Jim Peterman; and his partner in crime, Gary “Bo” Bowman.
In his early years, Jim was educated in the Warren school district. During his senior year, he continued his education in Galesburg, graduating from Galesburg High School in 1973. He worked as an electrician, spending 33 years at Butler Manufacturing before working at EMR in Abingdon for the past 15-plus years.
Jim served as president of the United Steelworkers Local #2629 and the Abingdon Road Knights Car Club. He was a huge fan of the NHRA and all forms of drag racing. He enjoyed spending time at his cabin on the river with an ice-cold Busch beer and took great pride in his two 1966 Chevy II’s.
Cremation rites have been accorded and a celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Abingdon American Legion. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Abingdon Road Knights Car Club. Online condolences or expressions of sympathy may be made through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhomes.com.
