James R. O’Neil, died June 7, 2006 after bravely battling cancer for many years. Mr. O’Neil was born on May 14, l932 in Yonkers, NY. He was a graduate of the Trinity School in New York City and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Lafayette College in 1954. His college years were very meaningful to him. He served as a class officer and as president of his fraternity. After graduating he was very active in the Lafayette College Alumni Association. He wrote his class column for over 25 years and was recognized with several awards for his writing by the college. Mr. O’Neil served two years in the U.S. Army from 1954-1956, receiving specialized training. He joined Continental Can Company in 1957 and spent virtually his entire career with the Plastic Container Division in sales and sales management. While living and working on the east coast he was very active in state and local politics as well as coaching baseball and football for the Police Athletic League. In 1971 Mr. O’Neil was appointed sales manager for upper, middle and southern portion of the country and he, wife Sally, sons Jim and Tom located in Glencoe where they lived for 32 years before moving to Northbrook three years ago. He coached Glencoe youth baseball and football for many years and served as president of both organizations. Jim was an active member of St. Elisabeth Episcopal Church and served on the vestry for many years, including terms of junior and senior warden. He served on the town caucus in Glencoe and will also be remembered by many for this enthusiasm and helpfulness as “Market Master” at the Glencoe Farmer’s Market. He is survived by his wife, Sally; sons, James (Paula) and Thomas (Beth); grandchildren, MacKenzie, Aubrey, Molly, Erin and Jack; and many, many friends. A memorial service will be held at St. Elisabeth Church in Glencoe at 2 p.m. Friday, June 23, 2006. In lieu of flowers any contributions would be welcome to the Children’s Memorial Foundation, 2300 Children’s Plaza, Box 4, Chicago, IL 60614 to the attention of Emily O’Connor and Cancer Research.
