James Hoyd O'Neill

James Hoyd O’Neill, age 75, died early Monday morning, February 5 in Ponca City, OK. He bravely fought multiple sclerosis for over three decades. A memorial service will be held at First Lutheran Church in Ponca City, OK on Saturday, February 10 at 10:30 am with a family luncheon to follow.  The service will be officiated by Pastor Jeremy May.

James was born to Jim and Marie O’Neill, in Ponca City, on August 20, 1942.  He was raised on the family dairy farm, where he learned to love early mornings and appreciate hard work.  He attended Braden School, East Junior High and Ponca City High School, where he graduated in 1960. He then attended NOC in Tonkawa where he graduated in 1962. He spent one year at Southwestern State University in Weatherford, Oklahoma, but returned to Osage County, after the death of his father, to help support his mother. James worked for Osage County for a time and then went to work at the Conoco Refinery. He worked in the MEK unit, and then became a fireman and EMT in the refinery fire department.  He finished his Conoco career as a Safety Supervisor, and retired in 1995. He and Lou Ann Meeks were married on June 12, 1071. To this union were born three daughters, Kristen, Sara, and Megan.  James was proud to be the father of three girls, and he loved them immensely.  He was a longtime member of First Lutheran Church where he was active as an elder and a parochial school board member.

His many interests included get-togethers with his aunts, uncles and many cousins all of whom he loved dearly. He loved playing baseball as a youngster and young man.  He coached, many of his daughters’ softball teams at Kid’s Inc. He also loved being around his grandchildren and telling them many of his childhood adventures, on the farm.

His survivors are his wife, Lou Ann, his daughter Megan, and granddaughter, Hope, of the home. Also surviving are his daughter, Kristen Strong, husband David Strong, grandsons James and Ethan Strong, and granddaughter Faith Strong all of Colorado Springs, CO.  Also surviving are his daughter Sara Tippett, husband Chris Tippett, grandson Sutton Tippett, and granddaughter Sophie Tippett all of Allen, Texas.  In addition, he is survived by his brother Daniel O’Neill, sister-in-law Lorraine O’Neill, and niece Jennifer, McGlothlin, all of Ponca City, He is also survived by his brother-in-law Tim Meeks of El Paso, Texas, niece Abbie Meeks of Dallas, TX, and nephew Zachary Meeks of Aurora, Colorado.

Memorials can be made to the Radio Fund, at First Lutheran Church, at 1104 N. 4th in Ponca City, OK and to Hospice of North Central Oklahoma, at 445 Fairview in Ponca City, OK.  Remembrances may be shared online at www.stittsworthfuneralservices.com.

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