James Roger “Jim” O’Neil passed away on February 5, 2016, after illness related to congestive heart failure. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia, in August 2015. He is survived by his sons, Jim and Sean O’Neil, their wives, Mia and Tammy, and three grandchildren, Lashar, Brenden and Tameria. He also left behind relatives in New England and many long‐time friends. He will be missed by all.
Jim was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1939. After his marriage, he and Pat spent a brief time in California, transferring to his last duty in Virginia Beach, VA, where they made their permanent home. He met his wife, who was also in the Navy, while still stationed in Boston.
He began his Navy career at the age of 17 as a seaman. He served on several ships, and at his retirement he was a Chief Warrant Officer (CWO4). He served in the U.S. Navy for 26 years, retiring in 1982. Jim had a lifelong love of golf, and spent many happy days playing after his retirement. He was active at Oceana Naval Air Station, Eagle Haven and the Kempsville golf courses, and was joined on many golf outings by his wife and their sons.
A memorial service will be held at Altmeyer Funeral Home on Greenwich Road in Virginia Beach on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 11:00a.m. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.altmeyerfh.com
James Roger O’Neil
December 29, 1939 - February 5, 2016
12/29/1939 - 02/05/2016
Past Services
Memorial
Saturday February 13, 2016
11:00 am
Altmeyer Funeral Home - Southside Chapel
5033 Rouse Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
(757) 422-4000 | Directions
5033 Rouse Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
(757) 422-4000 | Directions
Jim and Sean,
Your dad – none better.
Fair winds and following sea Jim, You taught me much about being a warrant officer you’ll be missed.
Boatswain O’Neil is the man that inspired me to be a Warrant Officer. One afternoon we were at sea and anchor and he was yelling at someone and I came around the corner and he was yelling at the Captain, the Captain was saying, yes sir yes sir…. I went home and told my wife that I wanted to be a Warrant Officer and years later my dream came true. He was the Man and I have often though of him. You will be missed Sir….
Jim, I will always remember the many chats we had after Pats passing, never knowing you would follow her so soon. I recall your son Jim saying “I want to be remembered as a listener” and that’s what I will remember about you. Beyond golf you loved history, the good old days, and your favorite saying was “it is what it is”. I will miss you. Blessings to Jim, Sean, and family. RIP, love you.
“Fair winds and following seas” shipmate. I remember our many golf outings and our days on Inchon.
Fair Winds Bos’n! Boy, do I remember the lessons you taught me! Go with God Speed- from your USS Inchon crew!
Jim was always fun to be with on the golf course and a good team member in the Virginia Beach Seniors Golf Club. It was a pleasure to know him.
My thoughts are with his grieving family. May he remain high in your fondest memories and rest in peace.
We will certainly miss Jim. We enjoyed talking and remembering the old days with both Jim and Pat. He was a long time member of our Oceana BOMGA Golf Association and always a pleasure to play golf with. Our heartfelt condolences to the entire O’Neil family.
Jimmy and Sean, it’s hard for me to put into words how much I will miss your Dad. All the fond memories we shared on the various golf courses over the years, and yes, knocking back a few after the round and swapping sea stories… Your Dad was a good man, and I will surely miss him… Mike Trujillo Sr.
Jim, you will be missed, shared my happy times on the golf courses with you.