James McNeel was born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, on September 13, 1877, the son of Gordon and Ella A. McNeel. He graduated from Fond du Lac High School, June 5, 1896 and from the University of Wisconsin with a B.A. degree on June 23, 1900. He attended the University of Wisconsin Law School and was admitted to the bar in June 1903.

Before beginning his law practice, he was an instructor at St. John’s Military Academy from September 1900 to June 1901. From law clerk he moved up to his own practice in Waterloo, Wisconsin, 1904-1905. He was instructor in Latin and history at St. John’s 1905-1908 and was principal of the high school at Marquette, Michigan, 1908-1913. He was principal at Beloit High School from September 1913-1946 when he retired at the age of 63. During that interval he was responsible for the graduating of 6,439 high school seniors. During the summer sessions of 1920-1923, Mr. McNeel taught history and civics at Beloit College.

He was active as former Scout Commissioner in the Salvation Army and supporter of St. Paul’s Episcopal church. He had served as Lieutenant in the Michigan Naval Militia, on the Board of the Beloit Public Library and a four-minute speaker during World War I and as an active member of the Beloit Rotary Club. He served as President of Rotary Club 1921-1922 and was a member of all the various education associations both in Wisconsin and nationally. His demise came on December 29, 1972, at the ripe old age of 95.