JAMES MARTIN NEAS
James Martin Neas, the oldest of Pearl and Lela (Martin) Neas’s three sons, was born March 29, 1932 in Garden City, Kansas. The family lived in Kansas until 1940 when they moved to the Redding, Iowa area; settling on a farm northwest of Redding that would be home for most of Jim’s life.
Jim attended Redding school and graduated from Redding High School.
He entered the U.S. Navy on April 19, 1951, serving on the USS Pittsburgh. Jim’s service to his country afforded him the opportunity to see the world from a ship. After his honorable discharge on April 8, 1955, Jim returned to the farm. Other than the time in the US Navy, and a short time working at the International-Harvester plant in Chicago, Illinois, Jim was content with farm life in Ringgold County.
Jim never married but was a beloved uncle to five nieces and nephews. He loved to tease them and enjoyed spending time with his family. In addition to working his own farm, he also worked for Bill and Bob Andrews, having a close relationship with them. He enjoyed visiting with his neighbors and hanging out at the Redding station.
Jim loved his dogs. They were constant companions and even helped with the cattle. Jim had a love for sports. He played on town teams and he followed baseball and basketball. In his earlier years, Jim was a member of the Clover Leaf Square Dance Club and he remained a member of the Redding United Methodist Church.
In 2000, Jim moved off his farm and moved to Heritage Park apartments in Mount Ayr. He enjoyed his neighborhood friends and those who took care of Heritage Park.
In 2014, Jim became a resident of Clearview Home where he received care for his failing health. On December 11, 2018, Jim quietly passed away. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Jerry Neas.
Those left to cherish and share his memory include his brother, David (Dale) Neas of Vinton, Iowa; sister-in-law, Marilyn Neas of West Des Moines, Iowa; nieces and nephews, Sheri (Jerry) Bowles of Urbandale, Iowa, Lori Galioto of West Des Moines, Iowa, Justin (Julie) Neas of Kellerton, Iowa, Rebecca (LeRoy) Lilly of Winterset, Iowa, Jon (Jill) Neas of Urbandale, Iowa; 16 great nieces and nephews and five great great nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 15, 2018 at Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr, Iowa.
Officiating was Rev. Melvin Ammon.
Vocalist was Korbie Rinehart. Songs sang were “Eternal Father, Strong To Save” and “Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone”.
Casketbearers were Justin Neas, Jon Neas, Clay Neas, Brody Neas, LeRoy Lilly, Dan VanWinkle, Anthony Galioto and Brian Bowles.
Military honors were by US Navy Honor Guard Unit.
Burial was Redding Cemetery in Redding, Iowa.
Memorials are to Clearview Home.
