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                                   Alto Man '47

James Albert Neely, Jr. has gone off saxting, bending his notes with the angels’ voices.  Perhaps Lord Satan is feeling the groove, too, in the back row wishing he had tricked Jim into joining his minions. Jim was always one to want to include everyone.

Jim was born to James Albert Neely, Sr. and Thelma May Neely (Orr) on October 23, 1947. He was born at Hillside Hospital and died in the same location, now named Kindred on July 14, 2020, from complications of a stroke.

Jim grew up in University Heights and attended San Diego High School. He attended City College where he studied Broadcasting. He was a DJ on several local stations and in Imperial Valley. He also hosted an afternoon variety show on cable there.

The alto saxophone became a big part of Jim’s life. In high school he started a band, “The Charvells” and later formed, “Little Jim and the Sessions.”  He played in many local bands throughout the 1970’s and 80’s, including “The Surf Rhythms”, “The Galaxies” , “Groundstar” and "West." He later played parties and events around town and buskered in Balboa Park. Jim played with the San Diego City College Jazz Ensemble for several years. His most recently was keeping his reeds wet with “Zzajha.”

Jim’s day career was a production manager at Photic, as well as at Visual Production, specializing in Black & White production. He was an avid photographer giving many models a start in their careers. He also ran the mail order business, “Mellowtree Enterprises.”

Metaphysics was a keen interest for Jim as he traveled to many places in the Astral Plane. Jim practiced compassion for all. He was a good listener. He was a great story teller of his adventures and encounters with people he had met in his life. In whatever neighborhood Jim lived, cats would venture by for a little scratch behind their ears.

Jim especially enjoyed the summer concerts at Trolley Barn and at Pioneer Park. He never missed seeing “Sue Palmer and Her Motel Swing Orchestra” when they played.

His oldest sister, Rosalie Neely, predeceased Jim.  He is survived by his sister, Darlene Neely, along with nephews, nieces and many adoring friends.

His ashes were spread in the canyon near his childhood home where he loved to roam and at Wind and Sea where he would meditate and enjoy sunsets.

He donated his new golden sax to the San Diego High School Music Program.

In lieu of flowers or donations, Jim had asked that we all pledge to vote in November and really drain the swamp this time. His fervent wish was to see change for a more inclusive world.

Copy of shorter version of the above published in

The San Diego UT Obituaries on November 1, 2020.

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