James V. Nealon

James V. Nealon, 78, of Sarasota, Florida, passed away on November 29, 2023, at Doctor’s Hospital. He faced Parkinson’s for over 15 years with unwavering resilience, living his adventurous life to the fullest. Jim lived life with purpose, that is the only way he wanted it. He passed away peacefully with his wife and daughter by his side. Born on December 30, 1944, in Washington DC, Jim earned a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of New Hampshire, where he met his wife, Gail. He later earned an MBA from Rochester Institute of Technology while working at Eastman Kodak. Jim was a skilled speaker at photographic engineering conferences, held certificates in electrical engineering and even taught math at RIT. He held many different jobs at EK Co. and they flew him around the world a few times. An outdoor enthusiast, Jim spent winters cross country and downhill skiing and served over 30 years on the National Ski Patrol at Bristol Mountain. Summers were dedicated to sailing and racing on the Finger Lakes and Lake Ontario. When Jim and Gail lost their 16 year old daughter Jennifer to brain cancer, they created the Sunset House, a hospice house run by volunteers, which still exists today and has served over 400 people in its 2 bed house. After retiring from Kodak In 1999, he and Gail embarked on sailing adventures on their 44 foot sloop the Endymion. Exploring the coast and the Caribbean, they eventually settled in St. Croix, USVI, in 2002. Here he drove dive boats, chartered his own, took a position as an Operations Manager for a new EDC company, then became a Real Estate agent. Jim and Gail bought a beautiful home on top of a mountain between the Mt.Victory Eco Tourist Camp and the VI Sustainable Farm Institute which was the beginning of his “green conversion”. Jim actively participated in environmental initiatives and served on the board of directors for the St. Croix Environmental Association and V.I. Land Trust and acted as Treasurer and President of the UUSC Fellowship. After 15 years in St. Croix, Jim and Gail moved to Sarasota, Florida, finding community in various organizations, including the Unitarian Universalists of Sarasota, the Sarasota Sailing Squadron, and the Freedom Boat Club. An active participant in Parkinson's groups and the YMCA, Jim enjoyed spin classes, pickleball, and rock steady boxing to fight back against what Parkinson's was doing to his body. There he found kindred spirits that could keep up with his boundless energy when he wasn’t with his grandchildren (his favorite playmates). James is survived by his wife Gail, daughter Joyce (Brett) Windrow, grandchildren Riley and Alex Windrow, sister Judith (Warren) Bergstrom, and his beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter Jennifer Nealon. Jim's zest for life, love for family, and enduring friendships will be fondly remembered. Remember, “Life is a reach and then you jibe” “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor” -Franklin D Roosevelt A memorial service will take place December 23rd at 2:00pm at the UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISTS OF SARASOTA, 3975 FRUITVILLE RD. A celebration of life will be held in Rhode Island next summer. In lieu of flowers please donate to Donate to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (michaeljfox.org) And a special thank you to Toale Brothers Funeral Home for helping us with preparations and being such a comfort.

Tributes

James V. Nealon

December 30, 1944 - November 29, 2023