James Raymond O'Neal

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James Raymond O'Neal, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and member of the community. Born on January 26, 1949, in Magee, MS, James peacefully departed this life on August 5, 2024, at his home in Picayune, MS.

Throughout his life, James was a dedicated member of Pine Grove Baptist Church where he especially enjoyed the Tuesday Morning Men’s Bible study . James also shared many cherished moments attending First Pentecostal Church of Picayune alongside his beloved wife, Cindy O'Neal.
He found joy in the simplicity of life, relishing in hunting, fishing, and spending time cultivating the land he cherished as "God's Country." He took pleasure in passing down his love of wildlife and the country with his children and grandchildren .
An avid fan of Friday Night Lights in Picayune and Long Beach (where his grandsons played ball), James enjoyed the camaraderie of community events and the spirit of togetherness they fostered. James attended every one of his grandson’s Long Beach football games where he always beamed with pride. He was always quick with a stat or a score for most high schools. As a former football coach, Paw Paw could always be heard coaching from the stands and suggesting plays that should’ve been called. He was always present at anything his grandchildren or great grandchildren were apart of whether it be choir, theater, dance recitals, baseball, football or even his least favorite sport, soccer. He was always there with joy, love and pride. During his many years of attendance and support at his grandchildren’s events, he drew many people to him that he always “adopted” as his own. He quickly became “Dad” or “Paw Paw” to so many. The memories of his love and support will forever be cherished.

James was not only a driver by profession, navigating the roads for Bunny Bread and then Hotard Motor Coaches, but also journeyed through life with grace and compassion, touching the hearts of those he encountered. We will hold dearly the memories of him “regaling everyone with his professional motor coach operator” stories. His devotion to his family, especially his wife Cindy, was unwavering, and his role as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle brought immense pride and joy to his life. His love and pride for his family is forever instilled in us all. We will all strive to live and love like James did.

As we fondly remember the life and legacy of James Raymond O'Neal, we invite all those who knew him to join us in honoring his memory at his upcoming celebration of life which will take place on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at First Pentacostal Church of Picayune. The celebration will begin at 11:00 am with the family receiving friends beginning at 10:00 am.

James was preceded in death by: his father, James Emmett O'Neal, his mother, Etious Ray O'Neal, his son, Terrence William O'Neal and his great niece Josilin Prevot.

Left to cherish his memory is wife Cynthia O'Neal, daughters Jennifer O’Neal Glenn (Charles), Crystal Annette O'Neal (Charles), brothers Joseph Brett O'Neal (Jamie), Randall Keith O'Neal (Pam), sister Sandra O’Neal Prevot (Keith), grandchildren Welsey Nicolas Ferrell (Chelsea), Thomas L Ferrell III, Claudia Annette O'Neal, Charles Brandon Glenn (Jessica), Joseph B Glenn , Brooklyn Bute and great grandchildren Dean A Glenn, Baby Ferrell (March 2025), as well as his bonus great grandchildren Asher & Aerilun Rinckey, Chloe Lowell, Ainsleigh, Oliver and Henry Miller. James also leaves his nieces and nephews Dustin O’Neal, Mallory Faust (Josh), Lindsey O’Neal, Jovi Prevot (Kellie), Katie Prevot and his Goddaughter, Jessica O’Neal as well as his great nephew Gavin Faust and great niece Natalie Prevot. He also leaves lasting memories with his cousins, neighbors, church families and friends who will always remember his love and quick wit.
James instilled in us all that DNA doesn’t create a family but that love does. A true pillar of strength and kindness, James will forever remain in our hearts, leaving behind a lasting imprint of love and cherished memories.

May we find comfort in the memories we shared, the love we received, and the light James brought into our lives. His spirit will forever guide us as we carry forth his legacy of love and compassion in all that we do.