Dr. James (“Jim”) Burkett Neel of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away on July 24, 2025, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Jim was born in Columbia, Tennessee, on April 11, 1940, to James Davidson Blanton Neel and Florence Burkett Neel.

Jim dedicated his life to helping Tennessee beef production, his community, and his family.

Jim graduated from Manchester Central High School in 1958, earned a B.S. in agricultural mechanics from Middle Tennessee State University in 1964 where he won a Merit Trophy Award, and received his PhD in animal science from the University of Tennessee in 1973, where he was a professor and head of the Animal Science Extension Department, Beef, Sheep, and Horse. In 1985, Jim helped start the Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association (TCA) and received service awards from the TCA and the Tennessee Sheep Industry. The “Dr. Jim Neel Outstanding Work in Adult Education Award” given by the TCA is named in his honor. From its start in 2004, Jim led the Tennessee Master Beef Producer Program, which provides information to Tennessee cow-calf producers to improve their profitability and competitiveness.

Jim was a leader in the state 4-H Youth program, which Jim emphasized was in the business of producing “Champion Youth,” not “Champion” animals, a philosophy that he extended in his service to the community. Jim was a faculty advisor for the Farmhouse Fraternity at the University of Tennessee, a Deacon at Central Baptist Bearden and also a fourth-grade Sunday School teacher for more than 30 years. Even though he had never played the sport, when his son’s soccer team lacked a coach, he volunteered to coach the team and convinced his more knowledgeable friends to help — which he then continued for over 20 years, long after his sons had aged out of AYSO.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Neel; and stepson, Billy Groce. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Elise “Dee” O’Daniell Neel, with whom he has surviving children, James “Jody” O’Daniell Neel and his wife Carrington of Lynchburg, Virginia, and David Burkett Neel and his wife Rina, of Knoxville; and grandchildren, Alice (“Allie”), James Claiborne (“Jace”), and Virginia Burkett (“Buckett”) of Lynchburg. Additionally, he is survived by three siblings who remained close throughout his life, Betty Dotson (Phil) of Athens, Alabama, Nancy Burt (Bob) of Tullahoma, Tennessee, and Thomas “Tom” Neel (Melissa) of Petersburg, Tennessee. There are also many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will treasure the memories of Jim.

A worshipful memorial service was held on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at Central Baptist Bearden. A graveside service was held on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at Edgewood Cemetery, where those unable to make the visitation were invited to celebrate the life of Dr. James B. Neel.

Flowers could be sent to Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel or donations made to the Developing Champion Youth Endowment, which aids in educational activities for Junior Livestock projects and activities. Checks can be written to the University of Tennessee Foundation Inc. with Developing Champion Youth Endowment in the memo line and mailed to the following address: UTIA Office of Advancement, 114 Morgan Hall, 2621 Morgan Circle, Knoxville, TN 37996.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.rosefuneraltn.com