James "Jim" Edward McNeely

James Edward (Jim) McNeely, 79, of Avon, passed away June 30, 2021.  He was born in Jasonville, Indiana on September 12, 1941.  Jim was a parishioner of St. Susanna Catholic Church in Plainfield.  He attended General Motors Institute and graduated from Purdue University with a degree in Industrial Engineering.  His postgraduate coursework included business law and marketing at Indiana University.  Jim was a Coop student within the Allison Division of General Motors Corporation and held inside sales positions with Diamond Chain Company, Inc. and as District Sales Engineer for Cutler Hammer, Inc.  He served as Membership Secretary and Acting Executive Vice President working along with his father-in-law, Earl Cox, at the Indiana Subcontractor’s Association. He then became President/Owner of Century Marble, Inc. for 10 years until his retirement in 1985.  He is deeply loved by his family and friends.  Jim is survived by his loving wife Patricia, daughter Jane Eisele (Fritz), Avon, son Nick McNeely (Chris), Carmel; grandchildren Natalie, Timothy, Brian, and David Eisele; brothers William M. McNeely, Brownsburg, Michael McNeely, Greenwood, and Richard McNeely, Madison, Wisconsin; and 6 nieces and 5 nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, William H., and Ruby (Woods) McNeely, and brother Paul McNeely.  Jim was always working to help other people in multiple ways; he had a very generous heart.  He had a passion for the outdoors, especially working in his yard and managing the McNeely family tree farm.  He enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing, and swimming.  He loved to play cards, board games, crosswords, Sudoku, and cherished family poker games.  Jim made it a point to keep up on current events, had a thirst for knowledge, and used his engineering abilities in many productive ways.  He enjoyed working with his hands and on many projects; he could build or repair anything.  Jim was a very loving son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, neighbor, and friend to many.  His strong faith, love for his family, and wonderful sense of humor shone through in his spirit every day of his life.  Funeral Mass will be Saturday, July 10, 2021 at 12:00 pm in St. Susanna Catholic Church (1210 E. Main St., Plainfield, IN 46168) where friends may visit from 10:00 am until time of Mass at 12:00 pm.  Inurnment will be at a later date in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Evansville, IN.  In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Little Sisters of the Poor (2345 W. 86th St, Indianapolis, IN 46260).