James D. Neeld, 94, of Lenexa, KS passed away August 16, 2024. Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. with the Memorial Service following at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 23, at Porter Funeral Home, 8535 Monrovia Lenexa, KS 66215. Graveside service will be at Steele Cemetery, 65060 706 Trail, Falls City, NE 68355, August 23, 2024 at 3:00 p.m.
James was born on his family farm near Verdon, NE to Forrest and Anna (Fisher) Neeld August 4, 1930. He graduated from Shubert, NE High School and worked for Darling Truck Co. in Auburn, NE for four years as a Billing Clerk. He entered the United States Army from January 1952 - January 1954 during the Korean Conflict James was discharged Honorably as a Medical Technician as Sergeant. He worked for SLSF-BNSF Railway for 43 years as dispatcher and telegrapher. Working for the railroad is where he found his love for overalls. He was an American Legion member Post 370 for 32 years.
He married Lucille Schneider on November 11, 1951. They had six children Carolyn, Kay (Gene), Debra, Margie, Ronald, and James. James was proceeded in death by parents, Forrest and Anna Neeld, brothers Forrest and Donald, sisters Kathryn and Delores, sons Ronald and James, daughter Debra, granddaughter Brandy, and grandsons Robert and Travis. He is survived by his wife Lucille, daughters Kay (Gene) Dean of Olathe, KS, Carolyn Putnam of Dodge City, KS and Margie Davis of Keller, TX, six grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild, and a dear sister Ruthie Messler of Colorado Springs, CO.
After retiring from the Railroad James became very involved in the Lenexa Senior Center. During James and Lucille’s 72 years of marriage they enjoyed going to rodeos, two World’s Fairs, and celebrating their anniversaries in Las Vegas with his sister, Ruthie, and her husband, Arlin. He really loved his family and being raised on a farm riding his pony every day. His favorite hobbies were attending horse races and traveling the USA.