James Anthony O’Neil
October 14, 1944 – January 2, 2025
James A. O’Neil, age 80, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2025, in Omaha, Nebraska, at Methodist Hospital. James was born to Genevieve M. and James M. O’Neil Jr. in Omaha, Nebraska, on October 14, 1944.
James had three siblings: Dan O’Neil, Peggy Monzu (Bill), and Terry O’Neil. He graduated from Creighton Prep High School and continued his education at St. Catherine
School of Nursing, where he earned his degree as a registered nurse (RN). Upon graduation, he received the Spirit of Mercy Award, the highest honor one can achieve. This award symbolizes compassion, care, and service to others. Immediately after college, James served his country for the next three years. He spent one year in Vietnam as a field nurse at the 82nd Field Hospital in northern Vietnam, then enlisted in the reserves for the following 25 years before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. After returning from Vietnam, James pursued his passion for medicine at the Veterans Administration (VA) Hospital, working in the ICU for the next 35 years.
James was very family-oriented. He married the love of his life, his wife, Sandra O’Neil (Pycha), in 1968, and they have been happily married for 56 years. His passions included medicine, caring for his family, collecting antiques, yard work, and cheering for the Huskers and Creighton Blue Jays.
James is survived by his wife; two children, Julie and Greg (Beth); three wonderful grandchildren: Meghan (Keanu), Brody, and Aidan.
VISITATION: Monday, January 13, 2025, 9:00am at St Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 11802 Pacific St., with Nebraska Nurse Honor Guard Presentation and MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL at 10:30 AM. GRAVESIDE SERVICE: Tuesday, January 14th at 1:30pm at Omaha National Cemetery, with Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Donate Life and American Cancer Society.
To view live broadcasts of the Mass and Graveside Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
5 Comments
Sandy, Julie and Greg please accept my sympathy. Jim was great man.
Sandy, Julie, Greg and Peggy, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. May you find comfort in the Lord’s promise of eternal life.
We send our thoughts and prayers as we honor Jim’s life. We were blessed to have you as wonderful neighbors for many years. We send our condolences.
Sending my deepest sympathies. Jim was a wonderful, kind, loving man. I have many cherished memories of Jim and his family. He will be greatly missed.
Sandy, Sorry for you loss. I read the memorial and even if I did not know Jim, I wish I had. It seems he was a remarkable man.
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