Jimmy Edgar Neaville

Jimmy Edgar Neaville, born on March 28, 1947, in Shamrock, Texas, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026, at Harbor Hospice in Houston, Texas. He lived a life characterized by dedication, passion, and a remarkable commitment to both his family and his professional pursuits.

Jim began his illustrious career in 1971 with Soil Conservation as a Range Management Specialist in Anahuac. His journey continued when he joined the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1975 as a Biologist, serving at the Brazoria and San Bernard National Wildlife Refuges. In 1978, Jim ventured to Minnesota, where he contributed his expertise to the Migratory Bird Division's Mid-Continent Waterfowl Management Unit in Fergus Falls. He later returned to Texas in 1984 as a Coastal Zone Biologist stationed at Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, where he focused on providing care for waterfowl and their habitats along the Texas Gulf Coast. After an impressive 34 years with the Department of Interior, Jim retired but remained active in consulting work to enhance wildlife habitats.

A proud alumnus of Texas Tech University, Jim earned a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology and range management in 1971. Throughout his career, he was not only a dedicated worker but also a fierce advocate for ducks and geese, achieving one of his proudest accomplishments by synchronizing grazing and migratory bird programs along the Mid-Continent flyway.

Jim was a loving husband to Peggy Lynn Neaville, whom he was married to for 52 cherished years. He was also the proud father of Matthew Cash Neaville and Clayton Grey Neaville, and a devoted grandfather to Eleanor and Juliana Neaville. His family was the center of his universe, and Jim's warmth and kindness were felt by all who knew him.

Known for his great smile and contagious laughter, Jim made everyone feel welcome. His personality was marked by a love for nature and the outdoors, which shone through in his hobbies and interests. An avid hunter, Jim pursued deer, ducks, geese, and other birds during the hunting seasons, while fishing brought him joy during his off-seasons. He had a notable passion for racing, having built motors for various cars and trucks, and devoted many summer nights in Minnesota to racing teams.

Among his interests, Jim also ran a coin-operated car wash for several years, always pleased to provide his customers with clean cars. In his later years, he found immense delight in playing with his grandchildren, creating lasting memories that will be cherished by his family.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Ruth Neaville; his sister, Ruthie Owens; his sister, Sue Woods; and his brother, Wallace "Shorty" Neaville. His legacy of love, commitment, and dedication to wildlife will live on through the many lives he touched and the families he inspired. Jimmy Edgar Neaville will be sorely missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.