The beloved James (Jim) Matthew O’Neal sadly passed away on Monday, May 9, 2016, at the age of 81.

Jim was born on January 18, 1935, in Rockingham, North Carolina to the late Thomas Eli O’Neal Sr. and Mae Belle Kissiah O’Neal (Brothers).

Growing up in a large family, Jim was no stranger to the value of hard work. After attending Rockingham High School, Jim joined the U.S. Army where he proudly served until his honorable discharge on April 7, 1958.

After his service with the U.S. Army, Jim relocated to Maryland where he began the start of his electrical career as a lineman for Rockingham Construction.

Jim continued in his career and began working in Washington, D.C. as an electrician for the Washington National Zoo. On December 19, 1969, Jim married his beautiful bride Barbara (Bobbi) Soles. The two resided in Upper Marlboro, Maryland where they raised their two daughters Cherryl and Vicky.

In 1979, Jim experienced a devasting work accident that left him permanently disabled and unable to work. However, despite the immense challenges he faced, his continuous strength, faith in the Lord, and determination allowed him to heal and enjoy life once again.

After his wife’s retirement in 1995, Jim and Bobbi moved back south to Rocky Point, North Carolina to enjoy a slower pace of life. As a devoted Christian, Jim was a highly involved and respected member of his local church community.

Jim had a great appreciation for the simpler things in life, including gospel music (The Oak Ridge Boys), spending time with his family, and indulging in a delicious meal or treat. He was a firm believer in honesty and hard work and instilled those core values in his family.

For those closest to him, Jim will always be remembered as a loving and devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend who had a heart of gold and would lend a helping hand to anyone he could. The various life lessons he taught his family will always be cherished and remembered.

Jim is preceded in death by brothers, David O'Neal of Rockingham, North Carolina and John Brothers of Ellerbe, North Carolina; sisters, Ella Mae Wallace of Fairmont, North Carolina, Elizabeth O'Neal Swails of Rockingham, North Carolina and Sara O'Neal Davis of Augusta, Georgia.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Jean O'Neal; two loving daughters, Cherryl Watson (Jeffrey) of Owings, Maryland, and Victoria Townsend (Lester) of Waldorf, Maryland; grandchildren Mathew Joseph, Robert Joseph (Trista), Joel Watson, Joshua Higgs, Shannon Peck (Jonathan); great-grandchildren Mannix and Wylie Joseph; brothers, Thomas O'Neal (Gerry) of Rockingham, North Carolina, Franklin O'Neal (Francis) of Charlestown, West Virginia; sisters, Ruth O'Neal McCall (Shields) of Lenoir, North Carolina, Vera O'Neal Ledoux of Augusta, Georgia, and Rachel Brothers Davis (Dennis) of Augusta, Georgia.

The family will honor his legacy with a private memorial service. 

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