Jimmie Franklin Neal passed away Friday, April 23, 2010, at Valley View Health Care Center in Canon City, Colorado, at the age of 72.
Jimmie was born October 22, 1937, at the home of his grandparents, Frank and Dora Neal northwest of Campo, Colorado. He was the third child of Joe Cephus and Ethel Mae Neal. He is survived by a sister, Betty Jo Thompson; one nephew, Joe Thompson; six nieces, Shelley Williamson, Sherry Dimick, Janel O'Hayre (daughters of Janice), Vicki, Gina and Kristen (daughters of Lila); and one uncle, Carl Phillips. Also surviving are several cousins.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Joe and Ethel Neal; three sisters, Mary Maxine who died in infancy, Lila Rodarmel and Janice Buzard; two nephews, Vanny Mayhan and Mark Thompson.
Jimmie grew up in Baca County and always thought of Baca County as home so returning him to Baca County is the only thing to do.
Jim had a very hard, troubled and unsettled life. He was a wanderer and had no roots other than Baca County. He spent the last 13 years of his life at Valley View Health Care Center after surviving an accident while in Denver, costing him one leg. He was pretty dependent after that along with other health problems.