James Aubert Jim Neely, age 71, formerly of Columbus, died Friday, March 4, 2011 at his daughters home in Encino, CA. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 9:30 AM Saturday, March 12, 2011 at Memorial Funeral Home. A Memorial/Celebration of Life service will follow at 11:30 AM in the chapel of Memorial Funeral Home with Bishop Joe Johnson officiating. His body was cremated, and his cremains will be buried, with military honors, in the new State Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Newton, MS in July, 2011. The son of the late Aubert M. and Robbie Zell Thurmond Neely, Mr. Neely was born September 12, 1939 in Warren, AR. He graduated from high school in Warren, and enlisted in the US Navy in 1958. He was assigned to a Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron, and was stationed on the US Essex during the Bay of Pigs Invasion. He also was stationed in Little Rock, AR during the High School Integration crisis in the 60s. He received an Honorable Discharge upon completion of his time in service in July, 1962. He retired after 35 years as Sales Manager of Better Brands Foods. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 6 in Columbus and was a past State Commander of the DAV in MS 2009-2010. He was also a member of the American Legion. He was predeceased in death by his parents Mr. Neely is survived by his wife of 48 years, Anne M. Neely of Encino, CA, his daughters Paula Krantz ( Mark) of Encino, Cassie Bostick (Perry) and Liz Hankins (Jody), all of Columbus and his brother Robert Neely (Lillian) of Houston, TX. He is also survived by his six grandchildren Wesley and Shelby Bostick, Matt and Nicole Krantz and Tyler and Kaelyn Hankins. Honorary pallbearers will be his grandsons Wesley Bostick, Matt Krantz and Tyler Hankins, his sons-in-law Mark Krantz, Perry Bostick and Jody Hankins, and Billy Sims, James Thompson, Eddie Figueron, Bob Serafin and members of the DAV. Memorials may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 6, 164 Harris Drive, Columbus, MS 39705 or to the donors favorite charity.
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