Trot Insider has learned that longtime Ontario horseman James ‘Jim’ McNeill of Brantford has passed away at the age of 85.
McNeill had been battling Alzheimer’s for about the last five years. He passed away late at night on Thursday, April 9 in a nursing home in Paris, Ont.
McNeill, who was a first-generation horseman, was involved in the Standardbred industry for most of his life. He made a name for himself in the sulky and on the training side of things starting in the 1960s, and was well known for campaigning Perma Frost and Par Chance, among many others.
McNeill stopped training horses roughly 15 years ago, at which point one of his sons, Rick, took over the training duties on Jim’s stock. Other notable Standardbreds that Jim co-owned were Zorgwijk Fallon, who he owned along with Rick, and Great As Gretz, who he owned along with one of his two other sons, Les.
Jim is survived by Shirley, his wife of 65 years; sons Dale (Sandra), Les (Patti) and Rick (Susan); eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and his numerous friends in the horse racing community.
McNeill’s family has informed Trot Insider that cremation has taken place and that a private service will be taking place in the future.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Jim McNeill.
My condolences to the McNeil
My condolences to the McNeil family for their lose. R.I.P.
Sorry to hear about Jim’s
Sorry to hear about Jim’s passing, we had many good visits through the years. My condolences to the family. Rest easy old friend.
Brian Webster.
Rick and Les and the rest of
Rick and Les and the rest of the McNeill family so sorry to hear of Jim's passing R.I.P.