James Arthur Neathery

To remember and honor the man, Jim Neathery, who loved fiercely, thought deeply, prayed intently, and served God fervently: 

James Arthur Neathery (Jim) was born in 1961 to Thomas and Sally Neathery in Jamestown, New York. He grew up in Orchard Park, New York, and attended Orchard Park High School, but was recruited to play hockey and graduated from The Nichols School. With plans of becoming a dairy farmer, he attended the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at Cornell University while playing goalie on the Cornell Hockey team. During his high school years, he committed to follow Christ and his faith was strengthened with his involvement with The Navigators while in college. Jim could have pursued a career raising livestock or followed his hockey dreams after being scouted by the NHL. However, he often said, “I decided that I would rather shepherd people than animals, and I would rather help save souls than pucks.” 

While pursuing his Master of Theology at Dallas Theological Seminary, (DTS), he lived with other seminarians and dear friends in “Little Asia” where they started an outreach ministry to their community, Frontline Ministries. He met Melissa (Missie) Barker who volunteered with the ministry. They married in 1990 in Dallas.  

After serving with Young Life to reach kids in alternative and private schools, he worked at the Howard Hendricks Center for Christian Leadership at DTS. His experience as a certified spiritual director and ordained minister helped create the spiritual formation curriculum. For years, he had prayed for the country of Albania because it was self-acclaimed to be the most atheistic country in the world. From 1999 to 2004, Jim, Missie, and their sons, TJ and Andrew lived in Tirana, Albania while establishing the Center for Christian Leadership with an amazing team. He also networked and provided resources to Albanian government officials. Until the month of his passing, Jim still encouraged and connected with graduates of the CCL and politicians of Albania.  

Jim completed his Doctorate of Ministry from DTS while in Albania. Upon returning to Dallas, his interest in worldwide leader development motivated him to complete the Executive Leadership Program through Harvard University and the Tuft’s Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. The Lord worked through Jim’s passion for all people to know who they are in Christ and to live out their God-given potential as he served East-West Ministries, Avant Ministries, INGNIS Community, and The World Affairs Council. 

Diagnosed with Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) in 2003, Jim always maximized the strength he had: teaching and writing about the theology of disability and suffering. Through his grief and struggles, he ultimately valued the gift of knowing Christ through His suffering. Instead of being self-consumed with pain and disability, he devoted his life to loving and praying for Melissa and their sons and daughters-in-law; his parents; his brother and wife; extended family and myriads more. Although his insights, advice, dry sense of humor, quick wit, patriotism, and Biblical wisdom will be missed, his friends, family, healthcare providers, and colleagues will always carry his presence with them. 

Jim is survived by his wife, Melissa Neathery (Dallas, TX); son and daughter-in-law Andrew and Sarah Beth Neathery (Dallas, TX), son and daughter-in-law TJ and Marissa (Colorado Springs, CO); father, Thomas Neathery and wife Joan Neathery (West Palm Beach, FL); brother and sister-in-law Steve and Katie Neathery (West Palm Beach, FL); father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jack and Char Barker (Littleton, CO); brother in-law and sister-in-law, Jack and Alicia Barker (Phoenix, AZ); and nieces and nephews Evan Barker (Zurich, CH), Quinn Barker (Phoenix, AZ), Chelsea and Drew Jensen (Denver, CO). He has been reunited in heaven with his mother, Sally (deceased, 2021). 

A Celebration of Life service will be held on February 7th at 11:00 with a reception to follow at Fellowship Bible Church Dallas, 9330 N Central Expy, Dallas, TX 75231. 

The service will be live streamed for those unable to attend: https://www.youtube.com/live/8FQqU5lv6c0?si=ciIN9pe6_FqOGFjr

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Young Life  https://www.younglife.org/ 

CIDP Foundation https://www.gbs-cidp.org/cidp/ 

Or, do what Jim would love for you to identify a need of someone in your sphere of influence and bless them with a gift. Give God the glory and open the door to sharing Christ’s love. 

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