James Matthew Neal, Jr

James Matthew Neal, Jr., 73, of Punxsutawney, passed away on Monday, August 22, 2022, at UPMC Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh.

He was born in Punxsutawney, a son of the late James Matthew Neal, Sr. and Betty (Wulfert) Neal.

Jim was a graduate of Niagara Wheatfield High School in Sanborn, New York.

He worked as a Security Guard for various companies and locations in Niagara Falls area.  Following retirement, he moved back to the Punxsutawney area.

Jim lived at Mahoning Towers for years.  He earned the nickname “Bingo Jim” for his love of the game. He called the Bingo numbers at the Towers and the Community Center.  Every morning he would walk to McDonald’s to meet his “Breakfast Club” buddies for coffee.  Jim loved to walk everywhere, he enjoyed running into people and striking up conversations.  He was an avid Buffalo Bills and Yankee Fan.

He is survived by two children, James A. Neal of Reynoldsville, and Regina Neal of Punxsutawney; five grandchildren, Chloe and Eli Neal and Robert, Tyler, and Reggie Christner; two brothers, Jerry Neal and wife Stella of Niagara Falls, and Denis Neal and wife Deborah also of Niagara Falls.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Cecil Payne and a brother Robert Neal.

Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, August 25, 2022, at Shumaker Funeral Home, Inc., Punxsutawney.

A funeral service will be held at 8 p.m. at the funeral home, officiated by Pastor Devin Wintermeyer.  Family requests that masks be worn.

His ashes will be interred at Mahoning Union Cemetery, Marchand.

Memorial donations may be made in Jim’s memory to New Beginnings Church, 2755 Walston Road, Punxsutawney, PA 15767.

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