James O'Neill: Founder of FOP Stephen P. Driscoll Lodge

James J. O’Neill died suddenly on July 17, 2016. He was 59.

He was the son of the late James A. O’Neill and Eileen O’Neill-Feeney (nee Gregory.) Jimmy is survived by his wife Kathy (nee Skehill), his son James F. O’Neill, and is also survived by Billy, Peach, Mango, and Molly. Jimmy also leaves behind four grieving sisters including Maureen (Walter) Watson, Kathy Weyhrauch, Patty (Mike) McDonald, and Lee (Ralph) Geosits. Seven nieces and nephews mourn his passing including Kristen and Tom Skehill, Lori (Matt) Thornton, Kerri and Tara Watson, Caitlin and Michael McDonald. He also leaves behind a grand niece and nephew, Harper and Jack Thornton. Finally, Jimmy leaves with us a legacy through the many organizations, business partners, and friendships that he has fostered throughout his life. Those he has left behind will carry on the work that means the most to him.

Jimmy was born and raised in The Bronx. He was a graduate of Visitation School, and Cardinal Hayes High School. He joined the NYPD on November 17, 1979 and rose to the rank of Sergeant Supervisor, Detective Squad before retiring on November 30, 1999. He was a member of Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s protective detail until retiring in 2000.

Jimmy lived a life dedicated to service. He was a founding member of the New York Shields, an organization that coined the motto, “Cops for Cops.” Every year at the Marina del Ray in The Bronx a service was held to remember those who gave their lives in service to the community. He was passionate that their names would be remembered and their memories protected and respected.

After the devastation of 9/11 Jimmy sought to bring personal remembrance to his adopted home in Carmel, NY. Jimmy and his band of brothers in Carmel erected a memorial to the members of Putnam County who lost their lives that day. Each year since, he has coordinated the memorial remembrance faithfully attended each year by so many. He renamed the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 704 to the Stephen P. Driscoll Memorial Lodge.

The beauty of Jimmy’s life can be summed up by this: He loved his family beyond measure, gave all to his friends and community, and was the most humble man anyone can ever say they knew. His absence is a chasm that can never be filled.

“The men and women of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and Correctional Facility mourn the death of James O’Neill and we extend our deepest condolences to his wife Kathy, his son James Jr., and the entire O’Neill family," said Putnam County Sheriff Donald B. Smith.

“Jimmy served in the NYPD and retired as detective squad supervisor. He was President of the FOP Stephen P. Driscoll Lodge in Putnam County. In fact, he was the driving force in establishing a new Fraternal Order of Police Lodge in the memory of fallen 9/11 NYPD Officer Stephen P. Driscoll.

“Jimmy O’Neill was an icon in the police community—he was the consummate ‘cop’s cop’. He not only devoted himself to his own career as a police officer and detective, but even after his retirement he devoted himself in so many ways to helping other officers and their families in their times of need. From arranging funerals of fallen officers and heading fundraisers for their families, to gathering support for the building of police memorials, to assisting lawmakers in enacting pro-law enforcement legislation, Jimmy worked tirelessly and selflessly to champion causes that were important to police officers and emergency first responders. Thanks to Jimmy’s efforts, our communities are better and safer places today.

“Many times, Jimmy O’Neill insured that the families of fallen members of law enforcement were properly taken care of and received comfort. It is now our sad and sacred honor and duty to insure that his family is embraced and comforted by our law enforcement family.”

Visitation is 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday at the Balsamo-Cordovano Funeral Home in Carmel. Service is 11 a.m. Friday, July 22, at St. James the Apostle Church in Carmel.