James O'Neal

James Frederick O’Neal, 85, passed away on February 10, 2026 at UPMC Western MD surrounded by his family. Born January 20, 1941 in Cumberland, Maryland to the late Earl Alvey and Mary Ruth (Little) O’Neal. James is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Robert O’Neal.

Jim was a proud graduate of the Allegany High School Class of 1959, as well as, a member of their Sports Hall of Fame. He was the embodiment of a strong work ethic, giving 37 years of service as a Stationary Engineer at Sacred Heart Hospital. Jim was a dedicated employee until his retirement in 2006.

While his career was at the hospital, his true calling was found on the grass and dirt of the local ballfields. For over 70 years, Jim committed himself to coaching youth sports. While he taught the fundamentals of the game; his passion was to make sure all kids felt their value and worth. This took place not only on teams, but in backyards, dirt basketball courts, at the YMCA, or any random field. Some of his fondest memories that he loved to share included coaching the Cresaptown Rebels and Eagles, the Green Machine, the Cresaptown Methodist basketball team, Brown’s TV, and the Cumberland Moose football team. At Allegany High School, he also coached football and was a constant presence in the gym for 23 years coaching girls’ basketball. These are just a few of the teams that he was involved with. His influence will be felt for generations to come.

When he wasn’t coaching, Jim was an avid fan, never wavering in his loyalty to the New York Yankees and the Washington Commanders.

Above all else, Jim’s greatest victory was his family. He loved them deeply and took immense pride in every milestone they reached. He was a man of simple, meaningful pleasures—often found "piddling" around the yard, meticulously cutting the grass, making repairs, or freshening things up with a new coat of paint. His greatest joy was spending time with his family. To know Jim was to know a man who showed up—for his job, for his players, and most importantly, for his family.

In honor of Jim’s lifelong commitment to the youth of our community and his alma mater, the family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Allegany High School in his name, 900 Seton Drive, Cumberland, MD 21502. Monies will be used to support the financial needs of students through athletics.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Linda Catherine (Walton) O’Neal; children, Kimberly Price and her husband, Michael, Marci Mitchell and her husband, Tim, Jimmy O’Neal Jr. and his wife, Amy, and John O’Neal and his wife, Sarah. Jim is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. His grandchildren are Cameron, Kelsey, Emma, Lindsey, Neal, Derek and his wife, Kaili, Katelyn, Stephanie and husband, Frank. His great-grandchildren are Felix and Shiloh.

The family will be having a private funeral service.