Jim Neely

Jim Neely, 64, of Cody, Wyoming, passed away October 28, 2024. He was an independent concrete contractor, a talented musician, a dear friend to many, and a devoted father to his cherished daughter Katy.

James Michael Neely, "Jimmer" was the son of Roy S. and Charlotte Neely. He spent his early years on the Pecatonica, Illinois family farms, riding ponies, playing every kind of ball game with his four brothers, and making music. The family moved to Worland, Wyoming and then to the Neely Ranch in Hyattville, where Jim attended Worland South Side and Hyattville grade schools. He was confirmed at St Albans, Worland in 1973. After two years at Manderson High School, Jim transferred and graduated from Cheyenne East High School, followed by Casper College and the University of Wyoming on music scholarships.

At an early age, Jim's musical abilities became apparent. At 15, he toured throughout Germany with "Die Lüstigen Worländer", a musical group of ambassadors from Worland that played, sang, and danced authentic Tyrolean music. While at Cheyenne East High School, he excelled in football, friends, and music, and was featured in the musical production of "The Music Man." He sang in the Collegiate Chorale at both Casper College and the University of Wyoming, and he held the role of "Hero" in the collegiate production of "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" at Laramie. During summers and post-college, he worked at the family ranch, played Legion Baseball, and became well known in the Big Horn Basin as the lead singer and guitarist for the popular rock group "The Runaways".

He was a rock and roller through life- proudly sporting the mullet until his final days. Like his hero Frank Zappa, Jim Neely was unabashedly himself, no matter how times or trends evolved.

In 1986, Jim married Melanie Shadegg. They lived in Ten Sleep, then moved to Worland where Jim worked for Hedge Music and later sold vehicles for Western Motors. His daughter Kathryn, "Katy", was born in 1992. After their divorce, Melanie took a teaching job in Cody, and Jim moved there to be near Katy. Jim, fortunate to be mentored by Lynn Ackerman, found work as an independent concrete contractor, a job he continued until his death.

Jim was kind, intelligent, curious, and thoughtful, possessing an infectious laugh with an unlimited sense of humor. From practical jokes like a fish head in the camp coffee pot to a Babe Ruth bar in the swimming pool (he took a bite), to his EXTENSIVE collection of jokes- often followed by his big bear hug, Jim was a master prankster. He connected with people from all walks of life through laughter and an earnest good nature. After Katy's high school graduation, Jim drove his pick-up cross-country to move her to Columbia University in New York. He made his way out of the city and home to Cody by befriending the cabbies while smiling, waving, and pointing to his Wyoming plates.

His nieces and nephews remember Uncle Jim as warm, friendly, and just so much fun, with a smile that filled the room. Friends remember guitar jams, pool tournaments, and a cozy fire in his backyard, surrounded by Jim's salvaged and repurposed furniture, inventions, and electronic gadgets. He was also a lifelong animal lover who gave many dogs a loving home. Jim leaves behind his special canine companion Skoot.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by daughter Katy; sister Marcia (Patrick) Patton, and brothers Cajer (Jamie) Neely, Brad (Kathy) Neely, Bryan (Jennifer) Neely, and Pat (Stephanie) Neely; nieces and nephews Brooke, Neely, Megan, John, Lindsey, Matt, Aly, Jacob, Cooper, and Jaxson, and eleven great nephews/nieces.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Eagles Club in Cody on December 8th, 2024 from 11a-3p. We hear Jim, a true child of the 60's, say....RIGHT ON!

Condolences may be expressed at Ballard Funeral Home. 636 19th St, Cody, WY 82414.