April 4, 2017
James J. N. Jr. celebrated his 100th birthday on Friday at Kenwood Rehab in Richmond.
A large group of family and friends gathered to celebrate with James. James was very handsome in his tux and his top hat. He was the king of the day.
James is the son of James J. and Mary Tribble Neale. He was born on March 12, 1917, in Madison County, and has lived here all his life.
James is well known to the Richmond community as a local historian and has a great love for history. He is a wealth of knowledge of Madison County. He is a graduate of Model High School and Eastern Kentucky University. James also taught at Madison Central High School for a few years before farming full time.
James lived most of his life on West Main Street. He has been a member of the First Christian Church since 1926. He was very active in the Madison County Farm Bureau, and also served as chairman of the Cemetery Board for several years.
During his stay at Kenwood, he has played Santa Claus for the patients. James is loved by all at Kenwood for his joking and love for people.
James has a great love for his family and friends.
James received several proclamations including: one from the City of Richmond which was presented by Major Jim Barnes; one from Eastern Kentucky University, presented on behalf of Mike Benson; and another from Jared Carpenter. Gov. Matt Bevin named him a Kentucky Colonel. Rita Smart also recalled James’ knowledge of families and the heritage of Madison County.
At Jame’s request, he asked for a Schlitz beer one more time. Schlitz beer has brewed in the US since 1849 and he was presented with a 24-pack. He immediately opened a can and a big smile came on his face as he took a sip.
Mayor Barnes said, as a young man in his 20s, he remembers a nightclub call “Speck’s” and often saw James there sitting on his favorite stool.