James Melvin Neil passed away Nov. 2, 2008, at Whidbey General Hospital. He was born April 21, 1935, to Melvin Neil and Dorothy Burrier Neil in Oak Harbor. He attended Oak Harbor High School with the Class of 1955. He was a member of the Army Reserve for many years and was well known as a partner in Oak Harbor Ace Hardware.

He was preceded in death by his wife Edna. He is survived by his brother Doug and his wife Kathleen of Christchurch, New Zealand; three children, Andrew Schroller and Laurie Schroller Eaken of Oxnard, Calif., and Jennifer Nelson of Enumclaw; and four grandchildren, James Helwick, Amanda Helwick, Michael Eaken and Kimberly Cook. He is also survived by his former wife Debbie Yates of Oak Harbor.

Funeral arrangements are pending at Burley Funeral Chapel.