James Robert Neely

James "Jim" Robert Neely passed away unexpectedly at Maryview Hospital on July 23, 2016 in Portsmouth, VA at the age of 68.

James Neely was born on August 14, 1947 in Charlotte, NC to Harrison and Mozelle Neely. He attended DeWitt Clinton High School in New York City. After high school, James was drafted into the United States Army at the age of 18. James was a Vietnam Veteran and he held the rank of Sargent prior to his Honorable Discharge in 1969. In 1976, he married Sandra Neely in New York City. After moving to Charlotte, NC, James began working for Charlotte Water Department. Later he moved to Martinsburg, WV for more than 16 years. Due to his failing health, he recently moved to Chesapeake, VA to be closer to family. He loved to cook and keep everyone laughing.

James is survived by his loving wife, Sandra Neely of Chesapeake, VA; two daughters and four sons: Adaeze Neely, Sisseton, SD., Tameka Neely (Anthony Dielubanza), Chesapeake, VA., LaVander Ford (Sharon Young), Charlotte, NC., David Tucker, Bronx, NY., Thomas Gary, Charlotte, NC., Monte Clark, Durham, NC.; one sister: Bernice Neely; 11 grandchildren: Ashlee Friday, Charlotte, NC, LaVander Ford, Bloomington, Ill., Domonique Ford, Charlotte, NC., Alia Clark, Durham, NC. Derrick Neely, Sisseton, SD., Robert Neely, Sisseton, SD., Breanna Clark, Durham, NC., Courtney Clark, Durham, NC., Azahria Gary, Charlotte, NC., Zamani Gary, Charlotte, NC., and Sekou Dielubanza, Chesapeake, VA.; three great grandchildren: Aniyah Friday, Charlotte, NC., Domonique Ford Jr., and Diondre Ford of Bloomington, Ill. and a host of nieces, nephews.
He is preceded in death by his mother and father; brother and sisters: Thomas Neely, Helen Neely and Emily Neely all of New York, NY.