James “Jim” S. McNeely, III, 72, of Murdo, SD passed away on Tuesday, November 1, 2022. He was the beloved husband of Michele. Throughout his life there were three things that truly defined Jim, his family, health care, and his dogs.

Jim was born on, June 16, 1950, in Anadarko, OK; the son of James and Mary Lou (Staib) McNeely. After graduating from Todd County High School, he attended the University of South Dakota, graduating in 1973 with degrees in Biology and Chemistry. He later completed his nursing degree from USD. With the encouragement of several doctors at the hospital in Lemmon, SD, Jim pursued advanced studies at Indiana University – Northwest completing the Family Nurse Practitioner program. Beginning in 1989, he was blessed with the opportunity to become the health care provider at the Jones County Clinic, where he remained until his retirement at the end of 2021. He absolutely loved serving his patients and felt that he never worked a single day. His patients were his calling, and he was extremely thankful because of it. Every encounter was an opportunity to educate others regarding health and health care. As an extension of his work, he was proud to serve the community on the ambulance board as well as the housing board. He was also an active member of the Murdo United Methodist parish.

Jim devoted his time to his family when he was not at the clinic. Over the years Jim could be found at the Murdo Auditorium or football field and track watching his sons participate in various sports. The majority of his travel was to spend time with family, including an Alaskan cruise with his brothers and their wives. Outside of family, much of Jim’s time was spent working and running his dogs. Over the years, hundreds of Siberian Huskies were part of the kennel. He loved their natural ability to work as a team and a strong desire to run and play, and he loved being able run them in the winter.

Jim is survived by his wife of 43 years, Michele, and sons James and his wife Anne their son James “Jack” of Avon, CT, and Jeff and his son Jameson of Sioux Falls, SD; two brothers and their families, David (Patty) of Cyprus, TX, and Mick (Cheryl) of Mesa, AZ. He had numerous nephews and one niece.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Ann(McNeely) Szabo.

The family is forever grateful to the staff at the Leona Helmsley Cancer Center and St. Mary’s Hospital in Pierre.

Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, November 7, at the United Methodist Church in Murdo until the service time.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. CST on Monday, November 7, at the United Methodist Church in Murdo, with Pastor Cheryl Nymann and Pastor Mark Phillips officiating.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the Jones County Ambulance Service.

Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 493, Murdo, SD 57559.