Jack Neal

Jack Neal, age 88, of Grand Rapids, MI, died at home on Christmas Eve 2015 with his deeply beloved wife by his side. Jack was born at home in Flint, Michigan, on January 21, 1927 to Willard Berry Neal and Mary Irene (Frazier) Neal, the fifth of eight children: Beatrice (Neal) Miller, Ruby Marie (Neal) Trevorrow, Geraldine (Neal) Bryant, Robert Neal, William Neal, James Neal and Joyce JoAnn (Neal) Brower, all of whom predeceased him. He was recently predeceased by an adoring great nephew and little pal, Fisher Simon.

Jack is survived by Sarah Bearup-Neal (Rod Bearup) of Empire, MI, John (Jay) Berry Neal of Seattle, WA and Peter Davis Neal of Lopez Island, WA, his three children from a prior marriage to Sarah (Sally) MacFarland Neal. Also surviving are four grandchildren: Leland Baxter-Neal and his wife, Eliana of Portland, OR; and Silas Baxter-Neal and his wife, Yuri, and their children, Milo and Keena, of Portland, OR; and Sarah Neal and Giordan Neal of Lopez Island, WA. He is survived by many nieces, nephews, other family members and dear friends.

He married Stephanie A. (Nelson) Neal with whom he spent the last 34 years of his life. They practiced law together for 16 years until Jack retired from trial practice at 70 years of age and they moved to Palm Coast, Florida. They travelled together extensively. They have visited all of the counties in the State of Michigan, all 50 states of the Unites States, all ten of the provinces of Canada, and many countries around the world.

Jack Neal acquired his education in the public schools in Flint where he had a special interest in music and drama. After graduation from Flint Central High School in 1944, he honorably served in the U.S. Army during World War II. His major tour of duty was in Rome, Italy where he served in the Military Police.

After returning from the war, Jack matriculated at Michigan State College and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism in 1950 using the G.I. Bill. He worked for a period of time at Buick Motor Company and <u>The Flint Journal</u> after college graduation.

Jack graduated from Wayne University Law School in early 1957 and was admitted to the practice of law on March 6, 1957. He practiced law in Detroit, Michigan upon graduation from law school and developed a taste for trial work. In May 1963, he returned to his home town and opened his private law practice in Flint, Michigan. Throughout his 40-year law career, Jack concentrated his practice in the defense of medical malpractice, professional liability and workers disability compensation matters at the trial level in all federal and state courts in the State of Michigan. He was a master of cross-examination and developed a keen interest in medicine and science.

Jack was admitted to practice in the United States Supreme Court. He was invited to become an Adjunct Professor of Law at Thomas M. Cooley Law School where he taught Workers Disability Compensation Law. He received a gubernatorial appointment as Special Assistant Attorney General which he maintained until his retirement. In 1980, Jack became one of the first blue-ribbon Mediators for Genesee County Circuit Court. In 2004, he became a Mediator for the Kent County Courts and served until 2011. From 1988 to 1989, Jack served as President of Michigan Defense Trial Counsel. He was awarded an Exceptional Performance Citation by the Defense Research Institute in 1989. Jack received an “AV” rating from the Martindale-Hubbell national lawyer rating system, the highest available, being recognized by his peers as having achieved very high legal ability and very high ethical conduct relevant to the discharge of professional responsibilities.

Jack was elected to the Board of Supervisors of the Dunes Community Development District in Flagler County, Florida in 1997 and was re-elected in 1999. After 8 years in Florida, Jack and Stephanie relocated to Grand Rapids, Michigan. Jack received an appointment to the Cascade Township Zoning Board of Appeals in 2004 and was reappointed in 2010 and 2014.

In addition to travel, Jack enjoyed Big Band music and jazz, classic movies, collecting fine art, bird watching and was an avid MSU Spartans football and basketball fan. He was a fitness enthusiast who exercised vigorously each day up until his death. Jack played golf with the same foursome for 27 years. His laugh was contagious and was guaranteed to make you smile. He was a great man and will be remembered and loved by those lives he touched.

Those desiring may make memorial gifts to the Genesee County Bar Foundation, 315 E. Court Street, Flint, MI 48502 which has been designated for deaf clients needing interpreter services during legal appointments.

A special ‘thank you’ to Doctors Paul Rodriguez, David Lieuwen and Ronald Vanderlaan for their care, and the many other doctors and nurses and care providers who were an integral part in managing his treatment.

Jack donated his body to the Willed Body Program at Michigan State University for medical education. There will be no service or visitation per his request. Please share your memories of Jack with his family by visiting his online guestbook.