V. James Neal

TUCSON, AZ — V. James Neal, 90, of Green Valley, Arizona, passed away on October 2, 2016 in Tucson, Arizona from congestive heart failure. Jim was born in Schenectady on February 11, 1926. He married Doris Jean Bates on July 4, 1948 and they were married for 68 wonderful years. Jim is survived by his wife Doris, of Green Valley, AZ and two sons, Michael J. Neal of East Dorset, VT, and Gregory J. Neal of Evergreen, CO, one grandson, Tucker, his sister Leona Micheli and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one brother, Leonard Neal. Jim was a graduate of Mont Pleasant High School in Schenectady, Class of 1944. He served in the US Air Force as a Radio Technician, in Goose Bay, Labrador, for four years. He also studied through the General Electric Electrical Engineering Program, and was employed by GE for 30 years. Jim worked at their facilities in Malta, West Milton and Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory in Niskayuna. His work involved the electrical systems for the Sea Wolf and Triton Submarines. Jim had many interests, including coaching both of his sons in Minor and Little League Baseball. He also coached them in speedskating with the Saratoga Winter Club. He was a Past President of the Northern NY Speedskating Assn., and was an announcer at many of the skating meets throughout the Northeast. Jim was a member of the Saratoga Racing City Chorus and the popular quartet “Grandmas Boyfriends.” He was a member of the Saratoga Lake Sailing Club, with several wins in the Kestrel Division. He also competed in the 24-Hour Lake George to Ticonderoga Sailing Race, and won it twice: once overall, and once in his division. Jim was an avid golfer and won the Senior Club Championship in Green Valley, AZ, in recent years. Jim and his family enjoyed camping in the Adirondacks, spending summers on Lake George and skiing in the Adirondacks and Vermont. Jim and Doris traveled extensively after his retirement. Having raised their family in Saratoga Springs, they then lived on Galway Lake, NY, and in Key Largo, FL, in the winters. They settled permanently in Green Valley, AZ in 2000. Jim donated his body to the University of Arizona for research. A Mass was held on November 4 at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, in Green Valley, AZ. The family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, to make a donation in Jim’s name, to your favorite charity