James Edwin McNeil
James (Jim) Edwin McNeil was born in Milwaukee, WI on October 16, 1931, to Dr. Robert L. and Elizabeth (Bloesius) McNeil. He had two older brothers and a younger sister. He grew up in Hartland, WI, and attended Hartland High School, graduating in 1949 as a three-sport letterman, Class President, and member of the drama, glee, and photo clubs.
Jim served on the USS Patapsco during the Korean War. While in the Navy, he traveled through Santa Barbara, California, planting a seed that would shape his future. He was a member of the American Legion Post 294 in Hartland for over fifty years.
After returning from the Navy, he married Jean Burdick in April 1956. They started their family in Milwaukee, enjoying time there with family and relatives, especially when Jim played baseball for the Monches Hilltop Tavern baseball team.
He joined General Motors (AC Electronics Division) in Milwaukee in 1955, and attended night school at Marquette University, obtaining his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 1964. The company offered Jim an opportunity to join GM/Delco Electronics in Santa Barbara, and having seen the beauty of the town during his Navy days, he quickly agreed. The family moved west in 1966 and settled into their new home, which Jim remodeled numerous times to support his growing family. He lived in that same house the remainder of his life.
Mr. McNeil worked on many important projects during his tenure with GM. As a member of the Delco Sea Operations group, he directed and held overall responsibility for the development, fabrication, installation, and data evaluation for in-water instrumentation for the Atomic Energy Commission’s Aleutian islands testing for Projects Milrow and Cannikin. He logged over 400 dives supporting these activities and the development and installation of underwater acoustic measuring devices extending from Japan to the US west coast.
A pioneer in the development and application of microprocessor systems for maritime navigation and automotive uses, he also supported development of electrical systems on the Apollo lunar roving vehicle. In the early 1980s, he delighted his children by bringing home GM cars with onboard navigation systems and a touchscreen display that managed the radio, climate control, trip information, and other diagnostic data.
After retiring from his long career at GM/Delco, he learned to fly, piloting his plane in the skies above Santa Barbara, eventually donating his plane to charity. A true renaissance man, he also took up ceramics and jewelry making.
He passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 18, 2026, at Serenity House.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Bob and Donald; sister Barbara; and daughter Elizabeth. He is survived by Jean McNeil; daughters Mary Carralejo (Kevin) and Diane Weir (Bob); and sons Jim (Suzan), Steve, and Don (Marcy). He also leaves behind seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Mr. McNeil will be buried at Calvary Cemetery with a service held there Friday, March 27th at 11:00am. Celebration of Life to follow immediately thereafter.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Serenity House or Easy Lift.
