James Richard Neal of Wallins Creek, Kentucky, affectionately known to his friends as Pooh Bear, passed from this life Saturday February 23, 2013 at the age of 52.

Jim was born June 14, 1960 to a loving family of six sisters and one brother. He was a kind and loving child who naturally grew into a man with a heart of gold. Jim lived in Wallins Creek, Kentucky all of his life. He worked several years in the coal mines, for Neal Fencing Company and the Army Corp of Engineers. He was a heavy equipment operator for several companies in Harlan and Wallins, Kentucky. He also worked as a painter with his life-long friend, Jimmy Stewart.

Jim had an inherent love of the Appalachian Mountains and the natural beauty of God’s creations. During family gatherings, he would often disappear on an ATV with some friends and upon his return would excitedly share his latest excursion to the top of a neighboring peak. He enjoyed music and spent many long evenings listening to his favorite artists and singing. His friends were always of utmost importance in his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert H. and Nellie Scott Neal, sister, Norma Jean Neal, niece, Audra Neal Doss, nephew, Gerald Hoskins and wife, Mary Ann.

Survivors include his daughter, Stephanie Walker of Lexington, Kentucky; granddaughter, Tamara Mefford of Brookside, Kentucky; sisters, Mary Hoskins (James) of Bainbridge, Ohio; Margaret Hoskins (Bruce Johnson) of Concord, North Carolina; Martha Doss (Glen) of Patterson, California; Brenda Neal of Corbin, Kentucky; Patricia Carey (John) of Port Orange, Florida; a brother Robert H. Neal (Deborah) of Lexington, Kentucky; and several nieces and nephews. Among friends who mourn his passing are James Stewart of Elizabeth, Indiana; Dave Logan, Robert Crider, Butch Middleton, Snook Farmer and John Bowman all of Wallins, Kentucky.

The family of James Richard Neal will receive friends Wednesday, February 27, 2013 from 5 until 7 p.m. at the Anderson-Laws & Jones Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, February 28, 2013 at 11 a.m. in the chapel of Anderson-Laws & Jones with the Rev. Cecil Hensley officiating.

Burial will follow in the Park Howard Cemetery, Wallins, Kentucky with James Neal, Charles Neal, James Stewart and other family members and friends serving as pallbearers.

Honorary pallbearers will be Clint Hoskins and Collin Calloway.

Online condolences may be left at www.harlanobits.net.

Anderson-Laws & Jones Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Neal family.