Jim was born on August 29, 1946, in Barryville, Arkansas, son of Charles Neeley and Dixie (Weeks). On Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, James Richard (Jim) Neeley passed away peacefully at his home in Aberdeen at the age of 74, surrounded by many family members.

At six months old, his family moved to Washington state, residing in Hoquiam. At the time, Jim was one of three children. Growing up, he also lived in Grayland, Bremerton, Satsop, and then settled down in Montesano. His mother Dixie, soon after relocating, divorced Charles, and was remarried to Walter Tronson, who already had two children himself. They then had five of their own children together, making Jim one of 10 children.

After completing high school in 1965, he began working at Hoquiam Plywood, and later that same year, on Dec. 8, was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving two years in Vietnam. During his time of service, he received a second-degree black belt while in Saigon, served as a military police officer, and even took up photography.

Upon returning home, he married Barbara Hensley. Together they had one daughter, Kelley Neeley, born in August of 1970. They were later divorced.

During his working career, he co-owned the Boone and Neeley Diving business, later working at Failor’s Sporting Goods, and then returned to work at Hoquiam Plywood for a short period of time before starting to work at the Weyerhaeuser Sawmill in 1973. He worked at Weyerhaeuser for 35 years, up until retiring in 2008. While working at Weyerhaeuser, he also owned Studio 1, a photography studio in Hoquiam, Washington.

On Dec. 31, 1983, Jim married Della (Meadows) Boyle of Aberdeen, Washington. Marrying Della came with the gift of two more children; Bob and Barbara Boyle. Jim was with Della up until his passing. They were together 40 years. They enjoyed camping together as well as snowskiing, boating, and long motorcycle trips.

Jim was proud of the many achievements he accomplished throughout his life. He was Union president of local 3099 LPIW, later changing to WCIW. He was also vice president of the Washington State Labor Council, served on the OSHA Board, was appointed to Advisory Board for LNI, was appointed to Governor Safety and Health Advisory Board, and was even on the Board of Directors for the Grays Harbor/Pacific County Food Bank.

Jim will be remembered for his quick wit, endless jokes and hospitality. He had many friends, never meeting a stranger, and always had a story to tell. He had a passion for the outdoors, taking a liking to fishing, hunting and camping with his family. Jim especially enjoyed his October and November hunting trips with some of his many Army buddies. Aside from these trips, Jim took part in many army reunions, even helping put a few on.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Tom Neeley, Wally and Bill Tronson, his sister, Shelly Ryan, and a neice, Jennifer Tronson. He is survived by his wife Della, daughters, Kelley Neeley and Barbara (Brian) Tingwall, son Bob (Genny) Boyle, stepson Mike Stankus, and step-daughter Teri (Mark) McPherson. He is also survived by his sisters, Wendy, Jane, and Jana Tronson, along with Pam (Mark) Howard, and brother, John Tronson. He is survived by grandchildren, Harley, Kyah and Wyatt Neeley, Sydni and Rian Tingwall, and Lauren, Anneliese and Nolan Boyle.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date in the coming new year. Arrangements are being made by Harrison Family Mortuary of Aberdeen.