James Herbert Neece's Obituary
It is with profound sadness and love that we announce the passing of James "Jim" H. Neece on February 3, 2025, at the age of 80. Jim was born in Dallas, Texas, on July 23, 1944, to Herbert and Irene Neece. Throughout his life, Jim made a lasting impact through his unwavering love for his family, his devotion to his faith, and his genuine kindness to everyone he encountered.
On February 8, 1977, Jim married the love of his life, Jana, beginning a remarkable partnership that spanned nearly 48 years. Together, they built a life filled with joy, laughter, and a deep, unbreakable bond that touched everyone around them.
Jim’s career journey was diverse and filled with dedication. As an entrepreneur, he owned several Dairy Queen locations across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, where he was a familiar face in the community. Later, Jim ventured into the telecommunications industry, but it was his work as a school bus driver for special needs children in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch School District that truly captured his heart. His patience, kindness, and commitment to his students left a lasting legacy that will never be forgotten.
A man of deep faith, Jim was an active member of St. Ann’s Catholic Parish in Coppell, TX, where he served as lector, and was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus. Jim participated in CRHP (Christ Renews His Parish), a faith renewal retreat that profoundly touched his spirit and strengthened his walk with God. It was through CRHP that Jim gained lifelong friendships and a brotherhood that he held dear. He also cherished his friendships with the “Bagel Brothers,” a close-knit group of friends with whom he shared many treasured moments, laughter, and enduring memories.
Above all, Jim’s greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and PawPaw, taking immense pride in every moment shared with his children and grandchildren. His love and care for them were endless. Jim is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Judy Holmes. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jana, and their three children: Kristi Paulson (Jamie) of Lewisville, TX, James D. Neece of Spring, TX, and Jonathon Neece of Carrollton, TX. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Julie (Brandon) of Las Vegas, NV, Emma of Fayetteville, AR, and Mary and Andrew of Allen, TX, and was blessed with one great-grandchild, Rylie. Jim is also survived by multiple nieces, nephews, and adored family members who will miss him dearly.
Jim’s gentle spirit, his dedication to his family, and his unshakeable faith will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His memory will live on in the hearts of his loved ones and in the lives he touched with his kindness and selflessness.
Service Information:
Tuesday, February 11, 2025 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Visitation at Restland Funeral Home
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
9:30 am Rosary in the St. Kilian Chapel, Saint Ann Parish, Coppell, TX
10:00 am Celebration of Life in the St. Kilian Chapel, Saint Ann Parish, Coppell, TX
Reception to Immediately follow in the Hospitality Room
1:30 pm Burial at Restland Cemetery, Garden of Ascension
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause that was very dear to Jim’s heart.
May Jim rest in peace, forever cherished and always remembered. He was a man of love, faith, and service, and his legacy will continue to inspire those who knew him.
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