James Edward "Jim" O'Neill

James Edward O’Neill passed away peacefully on March 14, 2026, at Quiet Oaks Hospice House, surrounded by his family. Born on February 19, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois, Jim graduated from Leo High School in 1953 and earned both bachelor’s and graduate degrees from the University of St. Thomas. He began his teaching career instructing Spanish and English at the high school level for seven years before becoming a professor of Spanish at St. Cloud State University, where he taught for 35 years. Deeply committed to education, he continued sharing his language skills in retirement by volunteering and participating in several medical missions to Guatemala with Helps International.

Jim was known for his generosity and compassion, freely offering his time, skills, and encouragement to friends, family, and many others pursuing their personal and professional goals. His love of language was matched by a quick wit and gentle humor that brought smiles to everyone around him—colleagues, loved ones, and, in his later years, the healthcare workers who cared for him. He remained a steadfast source of support for those he held dear.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Scott; sons Jay O’Neill (Carol) of Apple Valley, Minnesota, and Patrick O’Neill (Marcie) of Wasilla, Alaska; daughters Ann Schultz (Todd) of Albany, Minnesota, and Jennifer O’Neill-Mager (Steve) of Mendota Heights, Minnesota; and stepdaughter Anne Scott (John McCarthy) of Athens, Ohio. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Sabina O’Neill, and his five siblings, Sabina O’Neill, Tom O’Neill, Bill O’Neill, Theresa Schomer, and Patricia Miller.