Obituary of James R. Neral

James R. Neral, Lt. Col., USAF, Ret., 89, of Damascus, PA, formerly of Point Pleasant, passed away, Thursday, June 6, 2013. Born in Johnstown, PA, to the late Charles and Emma Neral, he was raised there and for many years lived in Point Pleasant before moving to Damascus twenty years ago. He graduated from Johnstown Catholic High School in 1941 and attended Penn State College. In 1942 he enlisted in the US Army Air Force and served as a B-26 bomber pilot during World War II and flew forty-nine combat missions in the European Theatre of Operations. He was awarded the Air Medal, with eight gold leaf clusters, and the Legion d'Honneur Medal from France for his heroic contributions toward the liberation of their country. He transferred to the US Air Force Reserves and in 1967 was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before retiring from a career of dedicated service to the United States of America. In civilian life, Jim worked at the Naval Weapons Station Earle and retired as Supervisory Personnel Director. He had served as choir director at both Saint Martha, Point Pleasant, and Saint Dominic, Brick, parishes. He was a life member of the VFW, Point Pleasant Beach Post No. 4715; the American Legion, Point Pleasant Post No. 23; B.P.O. Elks, Point Pleasant Lodge No. 1698; the Air Force Association; the Marauder Historical Society; and the Reserve Officer's Association. His was predeceased by his beloved wife, Lenore Bermes Neral, who he married in 1950. Surviving relatives include his brother, Noel Neral of Brick; and twenty nieces, nephews, and their families scattered from NJ to California and also in Michigan, Mississippi. Visitation will be from 6 - 8 p.m., Wednesday, June 12 at the Pable Evertz Funeral Home of Point Pleasant, 901 Beaver Dam Road. At 9:30 a.m., Thursday, June 13 a Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Church of Saint Martha, Point Pleasant, followed by interment at Saint Catharine Cemetery, Sea Girt. As an expression of sympathy, donations made in his memory to Holy Cross Parish, Calliccon, NY would be appreciated. For online condolences to the family visit www.pableevertzfuneralhome.com