July 27th, 1936 - August 22nd, 2023
Passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 22nd, 2023 at the Margaret Bahen Hospice in Newmarket.
Jim, to all who knew and loved him, was born July 27th, 1936 in Prince Edward Island to Stephen and Mary (nee Boyle) McNeill; he came to Toronto at 15 to build a better life, and that he did. A mechanic by trade and a true MacGyver, could fix anything unless it was unfixable. He lived a rich and full life with many blessings. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing, hunting, camping, boating, snowmobiling and simply tinkering in his garage.
He had a passion for sailing and looked forward to participating in the annual sail for kids with cancer every year on Lake Ontario. He crossed Canada a few times on his Honda Gold Wing, dipping his toes in both the East and West coastlines, and the breeze of being on the open road was the toughest to let go when he hung up his jacket for the final time. We would need to write a book to cover all his adventures, travels and various business ventures. One of his most adventurous travels was overseeing the construction of operations in China for Security Card where he spent long months away but where he met his cherished wife of 24 years, whom he leaves behind, Yaping Liu.
He will forever be lovingly remembered as cherished father to daughter, Linda Jean Hayes (Phillip, predeceased); son, James Stephen McNeill (predeceased) and step daughter Weijia Shi. Treasured grand-father to Courtney Tizzard (Richard), Mitchell Tizzard (Jillian), Zoey L Tang and great-grandfather to Alexis and Aubrey. He was a beloved brother to Earl, (predeceased) Bill (predeceased) Jean, Ruby, Carlotta, Gloria and uncle to many.
Interment to take place Thursday, August 31st at 2pm at Queensville Cemetery (20778 Leslie Street, Queensville Ontario) with celebration of life reception immediately following at Silver Lakes Golf Club.
Arrangements entrusted to Roadhouse & Rose Funeral Home