James E. McNeal

James Edward McNeal passed away at Poudre Valley Hospital on March 22, 2023. Jim was born June 12, 1941, to Olive and Wayne McNeal. He grew up on a farm south of Kersey, CO where he and his brother Steve, took advantage of country life to have fun and get into a little bit of trouble at times. He attended Valley View and Kersey schools. He received an undergraduate degree from the University of Northern Colorado and his Master’s Degree from Colorado State University in music education and performance. Jim married Priscilla Rose Stolarczyk on June 12th, 1965. They have two children, Michael James and Marcy Lynn. Priscilla and Jim lived in Longmont in the early years of their marriage and then moved to Fort Collins, CO. Jim had many talents he shared with the world: his love of music and teaching as well as his love for vintage automobiles. As the Symphony Orchestra Director at Longmont and Rocky Mountain High Schools, he had a tremendous impact on countless students over his career. His orchestras received many awards and honors over the years and produced numerous professional musicians and music teachers. Jim also performed in various orchestras in the state and in the Fort Collins Forest Hills Woodwind Quintet. His passion for vintage automobiles led him to restore many cars in his lifetime. Many people also knew Jim from his years working in residential and commercial real estate. James is survived by his loving wife, Priscilla of Fort Collins, his son Michael McNeal, PhD, of Denver, his daughter Marcy McNeal of Florida, his granddaughter Tesia Marie McNeal-Doriguzzi of Highlands Ranch, his brother Stephen McNeal of Fort Collins and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Olive and Wayne McNeal. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for donations to be made to three organizations that were important to Jim: Rocky Mountain Raptor Center, Rocky Mountain High School instrumental music program and the St. Joseph’s Catholic School music program. Please note that your gift is in memory of Jim McNeal. Rocky Mountain Raptor Center: https://www.rmrp.org/donate/ Rocky Mountain High School instrumental music program: https://crm.bloomerang.co/HostedDonation?ApiKey=pub_67785212-71c0-11e9-9f3d-0aa640fb8062&WidgetId=8501248 St. Joseph’s Catholic School music program: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/l6s0IrJTh03QQGhEv-_GLA If you wish to view Jim's service virtually, please follow the provided link below: https://www.youtube.com/c/SaintJosephCatholicChurchFC