| James W. O’Neill of Erie, MI passed away on Thursday, November 6, 2008 at Hospice of NWO, in peace surrounded by his family. Jim was born in Toledo OH in January 1931 to Joseph and Leah (Giroux) O’Neill. Jim grew up in Toledo where until a few months ago he still went to Rudy’s once a month with boyhood friends from the Telegraph Sunoco gas station. Jim joined the Navy in 1950 and served on the USS Columbus most of the Korean War. His Navy years inspired his life-long love of travel. When Jim was home on leave in 1952 to attend his cousin’s wedding, he met the love of his life, Ginny, and they married in August 1953. Together they created a family and a wonderful life for themselves in Erie MI.
Jim worked for Consumer Power Company in his early years and later went to work for Detroit Edison where he retired in 1991. While working full-time and raising a family Jim earned a BS in Occupational Health and Safety. His degree was a life long accomplishment and allowed him to become the Edison’s employee safety director. He was passionate about educating and protecting all workers—he was their advocate. It was a job very well-suited for a man who always cared about the lives and well being of others.
Jim and Ginny have had an amazing circle of friends, many as far back as the Navy days. In recent years Jim participated in many military functions with his Korean War Veterans Association of NWO as an active member of the color guard. His love of books extended to service to the Monroe County Library board. It was easy for family to figure out a present--gift cards to bookstores were always appreciated. Whatever problem came up in life he would do his research—always the problem solver. Among his books are titles about cancer, family relationships, history, how to fix anything and even Emily Post’s Etiquette book! Jim always wanted to be informed and do things correctly.
If asked about life and its meaning, Jim would have replied, his life was heaven on earth and his greatest accomplishments were his loving relationship with Ginny and being a father. He was devoted to Ginny for 55 years and the patriarch and anchor of his family. He instilled in everyone the value of family, hard work, education and always lending a helping hand. One never had to ask Jim twice he was there with tools in hand and a generous spirit. He was a rich man and died in peace knowing that he had accomplished all he wanted to and more.
Jim is survived by his wife of 55 years Ginny (Virgina Ravary), daughter Debbie (O’Neill) Hine and favorite son-in-law Bruce; Sons, Kenny (Bethan) O’Neill; Denny (Renee) O’Neill); Daughter in law, Michelle O’Neill. His daughters-in-law were always more like daughters, each contributed so much to his life—he felt so fortunate that over the years, with each new addition, the family just got stronger and more loving. Holidays were loud with laughs and nobody wanted to skip “happy hour” it was like missing a major event! Jim was preceded in death by his son, David W. O’Neill, who passed away 2 days before him.
Jim was blessed with EIGHT grandchildren and three great grandson-in-laws as well as three great grandchildren. Amy (Hine) and Erin Kincaid; Mandy (Hine) and Phil Irwin; Brittany (O’Neill) and Mike Stucker; Lindsay O’Neill; Casey (O’Neill) Runyon and Crystal O’Neill; Devin and Erin O’Neill. Great grandchildren Ava and Aiden Kincaid and Mykayla Runyon.
Jim probably cherished his role and good fortune to be an involved and influential grandfather the most. He felt lucky to have retired at 61 to actively participate in sporting events such as Devin’s soccer games and Crystal’s volleyball and choir. Erin Clare will remember him as her Barbie-doll-playing grandpa. In June he read the “Irish Blessing” at Mandy’s wedding, which is now a special memory for her and Phil. With the addition of each new grandson-in-law the circle of love became larger. He taught his grandchildren about the mile markers on car rides to fun places. He and Ginny liked to plan fun outings with just the kids, which allowed all of them to have a special, intimate bond with their grandpa. Casey joined the Navy, like her grandpa, and he helped her in that journey. Lindsay was his favorite nurse, or as Lindsay would say “Grandpa, I’m your only nurse!” Brittany inherited his kind, soft-spoken manner that enables her to manage people so well. Mandy gets her “can do” anything attitude from her grandfather and Amy, the oldest granddaughter, is now saying to her daughter, “Ava, you can do it just try.” As recently as July 2007 he baby-sat for his great granddaughter Ava and in August 2008 celebrated Aiden’s birth. As luck would have it, his great-granddaughter Mykayla is visiting this month, so he enjoyed being with her. If you ask the grandkids about Grandpa’s life lessons, they would include: always give more than you receive, no double dipping, “thank you” notes are important, play fair, treat others with respect and you are never too old to be Santa’s helper. “Santa” also gave a bonus to all grandkids in college because he felt education was very important and wanted to lighten the financial load. Together he and Ginny have created quite a legacy of values and love that have become part of who they are. Jim was not afraid to show emotion. His O’Neill hugs will be sadly missed, but his family will surely remember him with each one we share--never the same, but carried forward.
Jim is also survived by his sister Mary Pat Perlinski (Bob). He is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Leah O’Neill, brother, Bob O’Neill (Carol); and sister Yvonne Quinn (Bernie).
Visitation will be from 2-8 pm Sunday at the Michael W. Pawlak Funeral Home, 1640 Smith Rd. (at Jackman) Temperance, MI, where scripture services will be held Sunday at 7:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday at 11:00 am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Erie, MI, where he will lie in state after 10:00 am. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Fr. Father Schieck, officiating.
Those wishing to extend an expression of memory, sympathy and celebration of life in Jim’s honor are asked to consider The Monroe County library, Erie MI branch, Hospice of NWO or St. Joseph’s school, Erie MI.
Dad/grandpa, we all know how important family was to you. You always loved unconditionally, stood behind us, walked along side us, and led by example. You taught us all the value of an education, family involvement, books are far better than television, be involved in the world--life is a participation sport. To quote one of Dad’s e-mails about his outlook on life he wrote “better mental health starts with me. I recognize the world around me and I make choices that result in feeling good and the level of mental health that results from a positive outlook gives me satisfaction. Most of us realize that when we give love we almost always receive love in return.” We will carry on your philosophy dad, and think of you, our mentor, each time we face a challenge in life we will know that the power is within us to approach each day in a positive way and do good for others. Dad, you are lucky--no do-overs for you--you got life right the first time. Peace.
We love you dad and will see you later. |
