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James Neeley

April 1, 1940 — August 19, 2025

James Neeley

James Earl Neeley, age 85 , of Coffeyville, Kansas, peacefully entered his eternal rest at home, surrounded by his beloved wife and family.

Born on April 1, 1940, in Galena, Kansas to Melvin D. and Gertrude H. (Thomason) Neeley, James enjoyed a fulfilling life filled with love and purpose. He graduated from Galena High School and continued his education at Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri.

James began his career at Whirlpool Corporation before joining forces with his brother Richard and sister Kay to help them run Neeley Enterprises, where his journey took a delightful turn when he met the love of his life, Sharon Medford. They tied the knot on May 1, 1982, and recently celebrated their remarkable 43rd anniversary together. His next career journey led to the Fiberglass Corporation of America in Coffeyville.

In 1985, James and Sharon embarked on an exciting venture by launching Adventureland video rental in Independence. Just a few years later in 1988 the business evolved into Aardvark Video, where James managed the finances and ordered supplies, while Sharon waited on their customers. He was a mentor to the many young people who worked for them, with eight of them proudly serving as pallbearers. Their shared passion for youth baseball and men’s softball fostered lasting bonds as they cheered on local teams throughout Kansas. James relished the joy of supporting high school and summer athletics, and he officially retired from the video store in 2000.

After retirement, James became actively involved in his church community. A devoted member of the Assembly of God, he contributed his time and heart at Galena, Independence, and Coffeyville Assembly of God. James played a crucial role in the church prayer line, making sure everyone knew who needed prayers. His service included roles such as Sunday School Superintendent and leading the Royal Rangers with enthusiasm.

At home, James shared many warm moments with his five cherished Schnauzers over the years, especially with their current one-year-old, Lilly Anne, who will surely miss him dearly.

In his quiet moments, he found comfort in listening to the SonLife Broadcasting Network and enjoying the inspiring music and messages of Jimmy Swaggart.

James leaves behind his loving wife, Sharon; sister Beverly Kay Moore; nieces Fern Ann Davis and Sarah Anne Gilpin; and dear friends Jack and Patti Seifert, along with their family. He also has many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. James was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Gertrude Neeley; brother Richard D. Neeley; and two great nephews, Dustin Gilpin and Richard Michael Neeley.

A celebration of James's life will take place on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 10 AM at Coffeyville First Assembly of God Church, located at 1504 W 8th St, Coffeyville. Pastor Randy DePriest will be officiating, and Graveside services for James will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery, 1501 Columbus St., Galena, Kansas at 2:00 pm. Friends are warmly invited to join the family for visitation on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel from 5 to 7 PM.  The family has requested memorial contributions to be made payable to Coffeyville First Assembly of God and may be left in care of the chapel.  

To share your memories and condolences, or to view the live stream of the service, please visit James's obituary page at [www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com

James will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Neeley, please visit our flower store.

Upcoming Services

Visitation

Sunday, August 24, 2025

5:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)

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Celebration of Life

Monday, August 25, 2025

Starts at 10:00 am (Central time)

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Coffeyville First Assembly of God Church

1504 West 8th Street, Coffeyville, KS 67337

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Burial

Monday, August 25, 2025

Starts at 2:00 pm (Central time)

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