James David "Jim" O'Neill

James David O'Neill passed on June 9, 2011 at his home in Melbourne, Florida. With a positive outlook and a love of life, Jim valiantly beat the odds against cancer for years, cherishing every moment with his family. Jim was born on August 1, 1958 in Central Islip, New York, to Joseph Thomas and Laura Martin O'Neill. His family moved to Melbourne in 1962 where he grew up surfing and playing the guitar. Jim graduated from Eau Gallie High School, Class of 1976 and later graduated from Florida State University. He was also a veteran having served in the United States Air Force. As a construction project manager Jim worked around the globe on large projects in Antigua, Congo, Morocco, and Albania to name a few. Most recently he worked in Iraq and Afghanistan on projects for the military, at one point being evacuated when insurgents overran the area. He loved traveling the world. Favorite vacations included Greece, Turkey and Egypt and cruising the Caribbean with his family. There was a song in his heart and he was given a powerful voice to do it justice. He played and sang at Castaway Point and he loved praising with song at Calvary Chapel, East Coast Christian Center and Faith Fellowship—one church just wasn't enough. He proudly passed on his musical gift to daughter, Jaina. Together they created very precious memories. Jim lived honorably, worked diligently, loved fully and cherished his family and friends. He is survived by his wife Jeanine Willis O'Neill, son James and daughter Jaina, his mother Laura O'Neill, sister Laura Caruso and husband Charles, sister Kathleen Owens, sister Janet Koubek and husband David, brother Thomas O'Neill and wife Debra, sister Gail O'Neill and husband Thomas Bogut plus numerous nieces and nephews. Services will be held at Calvary Chapel on Tuesday, June 14th at 11:00 a.m., gravesite service following immediately after at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Palm Bay. There is a private viewing for family only at Beach Funeral Home on Monday. Our deepest thanks for the flow of prayers throughout his four-year battle and that continue to sustain the family. The family would also like to thank Dr. Lisa Duhaime and her staff as well as VITAS Hospice staff for their compassionate care. Take time today to appreciate your loved ones and if you know someone battling cancer please support them with prayer and positive affirmation.