James "Jay" O'Neal
James “Jay” O’Neal, of Beaumont, passed away February 21, 2021. A lifelong resident of Beaumont Jay graduated from South Park High School, attended Lamar University and served in the Unites States Army. Upon return from Vietnam Jay entered the Insurance Business and retired from R.O Williams Insurance Agency. Jay was an avid Lamar University Athletics fan and proud member of “Section BB” at Vincent Beck Stadium. Jay was known by many as “Big Pop”. Throughout his life he was involved with young people and various organizations in the community. He was very active with the youth group at Calder Baptist Church where he was known as Uncle Jay and Jaybo, coached and umpired at West End Little League, and actively supported sports at West Brook High School in his younger years. He lived life his way and enjoyed it to the fullest.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Paula O’Neal, mother-in-law, Billie Tate, daughter, Kelli Savage, son-in-law Philip Savage, beloved grandsons, Tate and Daniel Savage, sister, Penny Pearson, nephew, Todd Pearson, cousins Bettie Duff and Paul Wayne Rogers and many friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Ethel and James C. O’Neal.
The family wishes to thank Dr. John Henderson and Kindred Hospice for their care, compassion and concern.
A gathering of Mr. O’Neal’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His graveside service will be at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, February 25, 2021 at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 4955 Pine Street, Beaumont.
If you wish to make a gift in honor of Jay’s life the family would suggest Some Other Place, P.O. Box 843, Beaumont, Texas 77704, Lamar University Athletics, P.O. Box 10066, Beaumont, Texas 77710, or the charity of your choice.
Please observe social distancing guidelines. By attending any public event you are acknowledging the risk of exposure to the Coronavirus. Please follow the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control: cdc.gov.
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
- 4955 pine st beaumont tx 77703
Graveside Service
Graveside Service
- 4955 pine street beaumont tx 77703
- 02/25/2021
- 10:00 am
Gathering of Family and Friends
Gathering of Family and Friends
- 1605 n. major drive beaumont tx 77713
- 02/24/2021
- 9:01 pm
Comments
Charlotte and Howard Arceneaux
Dear Paula and Kelli, we are so sorry for you loss. May your memories help with your sorrow at this time. I remember bowling on the same night as Jay and he was always entertaining. We Love you Paula and take care. Love , Hugs and Prayers.
Helen Ogden Huffnagle
Paula you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Wilhelmina Brown
Paula,I'm so sorry to hear about ur husband. God bless ur family. Sincerely, Wilhelmina Brown
Liz Lovoi Welch
. Dear Paula and Kelly, I am saddened to learn of your loss, but I'm lifting you and your family high in my prayers. May you feel God's presence surround you and keep you now and always..
Kathy Johnson Young
Paula, I am so sorry you have lost Jay.. My prayers are with you and your family.. Kathy Johnson Young, SPHS '63 Miss Freeman's journalism class
JAMES WRIGHT
A good friend. I will greatly miss our weekly conversations, the back and forth bantering at sporting events, the road trips, the friendly wagers and the weekly lunches. RIP my friend.
Mike and Joyce Hoffman
May Jay Rest In Peace in the hands of our Heavenly Father. He was a great person, loving father and grandfather. Will always remember his wit and our trip to Vegas. Prayers of comfort and peace to his wonderful family..
Georgia Mc Creash Dunlap
Your husband , father, brother, Big Pop, and friend was a wonderful gift and we have all been blessed to have him in our lives. The hardest part is moving ahead without him. He was loved by many and now has come to the place we all are striving for at the end of our journey. RIP Jaybird until we meet again. â¤ï¸
Susan Ingram
Terry and I are so sorry to hear of Jay's passing. He was always front and center at West Brook games. There was not a better fan in the stands. Our prayers go out to Paula, Kelli and family.
Carol Corbin
I went to junior high and high school with Jay and remember him as a lively and good-natured fellow. It was a pleasure to see him again at our class reunions and birthday parties. Please accept my condolences. Carol Achenbach Corbin
Andy D'Entremont
Paula, I am so sorry for your loss. Jay was a part of our life as far back as I can remember. His humor and genuine good nature are examples of all that we should be. May Jay rest in the arms of the Angels and may God grant you and Kelli peace in this time of sorrow. With Love, The D'Entremonts
Liz Sandell
"Go rest high on that mountain, son your work on earth is done". Jay was a special friend of mine for the past 65 years, he always made me laugh. I loved his FB posts complaining about drive thru food businesses. If he received the wrong lid, straw, size of to-go-cup, not enough ice, we heard about the name and location on his FB. Gotta love Jay. He was a loyal fan of the Cardinals but his greatest love was his grandsons, Tate and Daniel. He will be walking beside them every day, unseen, unheard but always near. Peace and comfort to you Paula, my dear friend.
Shannon Garrod
Kelli, Paula and Family, I am so sorry for the loss of Jay. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Much love, Shannon Garrod
Martha Bland
Kelli and Family, I am so sorry for your loss and will be praying for each of you. May the memories of 'Big Pop" continue in your hearts forever.
Jackie W Minter
Paula you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bring you comfort during this most difficult time. Jay will be truly missed by all those that knew and loved him.
Sandra Womack
Jay was my insurance agent for many years, but was also my friend. He loved life and lived it to the fullest. Most of all he loved God, his family and Lamar. RIP sweet friend and enjoy heaven with your brothers in arms. Much love, prayers of comfort and hugs to the family.
David Aldridge
Will greatly miss Jay at the baseball games and Friday lunches. I will always remember how much he loved being with the two grandkids. My prayers are with you Paula and Kelly. Rest In Peace Jay, and I’m sure the Lord has received you well.
Gay & Denise Domingue
Paula we are so sorry to hear of your dear Jay’s passing. You and Your family are in our prayers.. May God be with you and your daughter as you grieve the loss of Jay.
John & Judy Bryant
Paula our thoughts and prayers are on going for Jay, you and all of your family. Cory will be first in line to welcome Jay, into Heaven. Jay always treated Cory with kindness and humor. He was our friend for many years. Through bowling and poker games. May you Rest in Peace.
Barbara Fesco
Paula, I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers
Rodney Wing
Can remember when we lived across the street from each other 72 years ago, it was a good ride. Peace be with you and your love ones !!!
ALDA RINEHART
Paula O'Neal, so sorry to learn of Jay's passing. I pray the Lord will continue to give you peace. I know Kelly, Philip, Tate & Daniel have peace also knowing Jay has returned to his Savior .. Jesus Christ. Love to you all...ALDA
Dionne Fontenot
Paula and Family, So very sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. May the memories you hold in your heart give you peace. Dionne Fontenot
GINA Ann Gutierrez
I remember Jay and Paula from my time of working at Calder Baptist Church I was going through a rough time and they were there with wisdom and always a comforting word. We've lost touch since then but I think of them often. Rest in Peace Jay. Prayers and love to Paula and their family
Sherilyn Goodman
Paula and family, My deepest condolences. Prayers. Sherilyn Goodman
Mary Gradney
Dear Paula & Family, Chuck & I are so very sorry for your loss! May Jay's soul & all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.
Kathleen Spencer
Paula and Kelli, our thoughts and prayers are with your sweet family during this difficult time.
Karen and Walter Harvey
Paula and Kelli, we are so sorry to hear about the loss of Big Pop, this really took us by surprise! Please let us know if there’s anything we can do to help out! We will continue to pray for you and your family, we love you dearlyâ¤ï¸â¤ï¸
Ana
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this really hard time. God has you in His hands and He will help you to continue.
Robert Lee Peacock
Paula, losing a life long soulmate is heart breaking, but knowing he has returned to his Maker can give comfort as you mourn his leaving. You and your family are in my prayers.
Carol Keesee Pace and Bill Pace
Paula we are so sad to learn of Jay's passing, but we have such fond memories of him.. He lived life to the fullest, and so loved those two grandsons whom he proudly included in his Facebook posts.. Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
The Hefners Linda, Colleen and Anna
Paula and Kelli, We were so sad to hear about Jay. We just want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love to all of you.
Judy Ware
What wonderful memories I have of Jay. He always made me smile. Some many baseball memories that returned when our grandsons played together. Paula , Kellie, and family, may God grant you peace in knowing his is with his Lord.
Faye Prejean
my deepest condolences Paula to you and your family. May God give you comfort. May his soul rest in peace. Faye Prejean
Fred Blanchette
So sorry to see Jay passing, may he RIP and our prayers are with Paula and family..
Helen Morris
Paula, I am so sorry. My heart is sad for you and your family. I have so many happy memories of times spent with you and Jay. I treasure your friendship and send big hugs to you. Love you!
Bryant and Frances Shelton
Prayers for comfort and peace Paula for all of your family, loved ones and friends..