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James (Jim) O'Neal passed away on August 20, 2019 at the Omaha Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Omaha, NE. Born April 8, 1924 to the late Joseph & Nellie (Gunnison) O'Neal in Watertown, SD. He married the late Leona Alyce McKeig on May 2, 1953 and they resided in Federal Dam, MN until moving to Omaha, NE in 2012. They moved into the nursing home in 2018 and resided there together until Leona's passing on March 11, 2019. Jim worked for the SOO Line Railroad, worked in the Federal Dam wildrice paddies and at the Corps of Engineers campground in Federal Dam for many years. He also held many other positions during his hard working lifetime.

Jim is preceded in death by his siblings: Eva, Eunice, Roy, Daisy, Hazel, Bud & Betty; his grandson, Joseph Nemecek and great-grandson, Hunter Watts. He is survived and lovingly remembered by his sister-in-laws, Cecelia (Cec Wattles) McKeig and Nancy (McKeig) Early; Daughter, Shirley Ann (Gene) Benson; Son, Patrick James (Ethel or Sug Winger). Grandchildren; Michelle (Chris), Nicole (Kevin), Matthew (Melissa), Shannon, Chrissy and Courtney (Paul). Fourteen great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Jim and Leona were blessed with 65 years of marriage and many, many fun weekend dances with friends.

Celebration of Life is being planned for May 24, 2020 at 11:30 a.m. at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Federal Dam, MN.[[In-content Ad]]

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