James Arthur Neal, Jr., “Jim,” departed this life on February 16, 2026, after a brief illness.

Jim was born on March 5, 1966, in Toccoa, GA, to the late James Arthur Neal, Sr., and Queenelle Edwards Neal. He was a faithful and devoted member of Friendship Baptist Church, joining in 1973. Over the years, he served diligently on the Deacon Board, sang in the choir, and worked faithfully on the Finance Committee.

Jim attended Stephens County High School and graduated with the Class of 1984. He furthered his education at Piedmont College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting on June 12, 1988. On June 11, 1988, he married his loving wife of 37 years, Inger Spencer Neal. Together, they built a strong and loving family and welcomed two children, Aaron Neal and Anna Neal Hardman.

In 1992, Jim graduated from Gupton-Jones School of Mortuary Science. At the request of his father, he assumed leadership of his family’s funeral homes, Moss-Stovall-Neal Funeral Home in Toccoa, GA, and McKinney- Neal Mortuary in Elberton, GA. For over thirty years, he faithfully served families in their most difficult moments, dedicating his life to compassionate service and professional excellence. Jim deeply loved the funeral home and the many colleagues and friends he gained throughout his years of service. He also served for numerous years as Executive Secretary and a member of the 7th district of GFSPA (Georgia Funeral Service Practitioners Association, Inc.), and an executive board member of NFD&MA (National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association, Inc.).

Jim will be lovingly remembered for his contagious laugh, warm smile, and unwavering dedication by his devoted wife, Inger Neal, of the home; his children and bonus child, Aaron Neal (Lauren), Anna Neal Hardman (Norman), and JiKaeus Harbin; his siblings, Evelyn Yvette Neal Green (C.L.) and Anthony Neal (Zella); his cherished grandchildren, Victoria Grace Hardman, Matthew Eligha Hardman, Isaiah James Hardman and honorary Aria (Spencer) Doswell; his siblings in-love Denise (Barry) Freeman, Robert Spencer, Willie Spencer, Aprill Spencer, Joy Spencer; his cherished father-in-love, Rober Ray Spencer (Pop), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, colleagues, dear friends, and best friends, Lyman Harrison, Endre Rice, and Floyd Means, Jr.

Whether he was known as Mr. Neal, Uncle Jim, James Arthur, or—most tenderly— “Dude” to his grandchildren, he was a constant presence in every season of life. He was a steady hand, a faithful provider, and a fierce protector of those he loved. Jim will be remembered for his compassionate heart, his firm yet honest wisdom, his unwavering faith in God, and a love so steadfast and unconditional that it will continue to surround his family for generations to come.