The Honorable James E. O'Neill Jr. | |
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Member of the Michigan House of Representatives from the 95th district | |
In office January 1, 1993 – December 31, 1994 | |
Preceded by | Alvin Hoekman |
Succeeded by | Michael J. Hanley |
Member of the Michigan House of Representatives from the 85th district | |
In office January 1, 1967 – December 31, 1992 | |
Preceded by | William A. Boos Jr. |
Succeeded by | Clark Harder[1] |
Personal details | |
Born | Saginaw, Michigan | May 26, 1929
Died | December 31, 2002 | (aged 73)
Political party | Democratic |
Alma mater | Central Michigan University University of Michigan |
Profession | Teacher |
Military service | |
Allegiance | United States of America |
Branch/service | Army |
Years of service | 1951-1953 |
James E. O'Neill Jr. was a Democratic Michigan politician and teacher who served as a member of that state's House of Representatives from 1967 through 1994.[2] A high school teacher and elementary school principal in Hemlock, O'Neill was a tireless advocate for schools and education, a respected source of information on school finance, and a key contributor to the landmark changes made by Proposal A.[3] O'Neill was also a strong supporter of Saginaw Valley State University, and the arena in the Ryder Center on the campus was named in his honor in 1989.[4][5] Following his retirement from the Legislature, O'Neill was appointed to the Board of State Canvassers. He died of complications from open-heart surgery on December 31, 2002, aged 73.[6]