Jim Edward James O'Neil

Jim ONeil, 73, of Neihart, Montana and former longtime Livingston resident, passed away Monday, August 4, 2014 at Benefis Peace Hospice in Great Falls, Montana. A Graveside Committal Service and burial will be Thursday, August 7, 2014 at Calvary Cemetery in Livingston with Father Leo McDowell serving as Celebrant. We will meet at Franzen-Davis Funeral Home (118 N 3rd St.) at 3:00 PM and process to the cemetery. A gathering of family and friends will follow at Livingston Elks Lodge. Memorials are preferred to: Benefis Peace Hospice, PO Box 7008; Great Falls, MT 59406 or Neihart Vol. Fire Dept., PO Box 87; Neihart, MT 59465. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Edward James "Jim" ONeil was born on May 26, 1941, in Livingston, Montana. He was the son of Edward Francis and Sadie Mae (Roberts) ONeil. He received his education in Livingston attending primary school at St. Marys Parochial School and was a graduate of the Park County High School Class of 1960. Upon graduation Jim took employment with the railroad as a machinist. He began his career in Livingston and worked for Northern Pacific, Burlington Northern and Montana Rail Link. When the railroad pulled out of Livingston Jim moved to Missoula with his job. He retired from Montana Rail Link in 2002 after 33 years. Jim was a member of The Machinists Union, Livingston Elks Lodge, The Livingston RoundUp Association and the Park County Polo Club in Livingston. He was also a member of the Neihart Volunteer Fire Department. Jim was a straight forward simple man who enjoyed the little things in life. He always spoke his mind and was ready with his two cents on the conversation. He made sure that his children, which were his pride and joy in life, kept on the straight and narrow. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren and friends. Jim retired to Neihart, Montana in 2002 in order to enjoy the great outdoors. His passions were going on pack-trips in the mountains; anytime he could go hunting and fishing; he had a knack for woodworking and loved to pass the time splitting firewood in the backyard. Jim was blessed with six wonderful children and three grandchildren: Shawn ONeil of Livingston and his daughter, Shay; Stacy Sunvison and her husband, Paul of Livingston and their son, Trevor; Kelly ONeil of Livingston; Shane ONeil of Joplin, MO; Casey ONeil of Livingston and Kimberly ONeil of Livingston and her daughter, Taylor. He is also survived by his Brothers, Joseph Donald "Sonny" ONeill and his wife, Donalene of Livingston; Dick ONeil and his wife, Sandy of Bellavista, AR; Sister, Shirley Powell and her husband, Ken of Kalispell. Nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends. Jim is preceded in death by his Parents, Ed and Sadie ONeil; Sister, Sharon Kay ONeil in 1950 and Brother, Thomas Eugene ONeil in 2011. Arrangements are under the direction of Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory.