James V. Neff

July 20, 1946 - July 27, 2021

James V. Neff, 75, passed away Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at his home in Gravois Mills, Missouri. He was born in Newark, Ohio on July 20, 1946 to John F. Neff and Catherine (Hillis) Neff. He graduated from New Lexington High School and later the Culinary Institute of America. Jim and his roommate were chosen to enter a display in the New York Culinary Saloon, which won them a blue ribbon. Jim worked in several hotels on the east coast and in upper New York before coming to Missouri, where he made his home for the past fifty years. He worked at Tan-Tar-A Resort for several years before opening his own restaurant in 1976. He was also involved with Ozark BBQ for twenty-four years. He was a member of the Sunrise Beach Fire Protection District. Jim was instrumental in helping it become a tax-supported district and served as a captain. Jim was a board member for the Lake West Ambulance District for thirty years. He was a charter member of the Osage Community Elks Lodge #2705, the Knights of Columbus and the Zack Wheat American Legion Post #624. His greatest love was when he became involved with the Midwest Children’s Burn Camp and was a counselor for twenty-two years. He was a member of the St. Patrick Catholic Church and helped with many dinners, fundraisers, prison ministry and CCD. Jim is survived by his brother, Joseph G. Neff and his wife Marilyn of Newark, Ohio and a step-sister, Karen Finch of Alaska. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and a step-brother, Cliff Finch. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, August 9, 2021 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Laurie, Missouri. Inurnment will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery. A Rosary will begin at 9:45 a.m. with visitation following from 10:00-11:00 a.m., Monday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Midwest Children’s Burn Camp or to St Benedict’s Abbey in Atchison, Kansas. Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Kidwell-Garber Laurie/Sunrise Beach Chapel.