James Michael McNiel

James Michael McNiel, 65, was born May 14, 1953 in Pawhuska, OK to Calvin Coolidge and Elda June (Morrell) McNiel and passed away peacefully Sunday, November 25, 2018 at his home in Muskogee. James or “Mike” as he was known, spent his younger years moving from coast to coast with his parents and two brothers as they were a military family. The McNiel family later settled in Muskogee where Mike excelled in sports. He achieved both scholastic and sports honors. After graduation, he attended college at Bacone where he continued his baseball career. At the height of his college career, Mike was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds Baseball Organization. He also received an associate degree at Bacone. After his baseball career ended, Mike returned to Muskogee where he became a construction contractor. He was known by everybody as a handyman and could fix anything. Mike married Sarah Ann and his son, Bronson was born out of this union. He continued in life as a handyman and was a caretaker to all. He was a member of the Freewill Baptist Church in Muskogee. Mike was preceded in death by his father; Calvin McNiel; grandparents; four uncles and two aunts. Those left to cherish Mike’s memory are his mother; Elda June McNiel of Muskogee; son, Bronson McNiel and his wife Erica of Tahlequah; grandchildren, Aiden Blackwood, Grayson McNiel and Brentley McNiel all of Tahlequah; brothers, Gene McNiel and wife Monte, Sheldon McNiel and wife Jamie; many nieces, nephews and many friends. A visitation will be held Wednesday, November 28, 2018 with family receiving friends from 5PM-7PM at Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home in Fort Gibson. A celebration of Mike’s life will be 1:00PM Thursday, November 29, 2018 at Trinity Freewill Baptist Church in Muskogee with Pastor Woody Wilson officiating. Committal prayers and interment will follow at Greenhill Cemetery with Sheldon McNiel, Bronson McNiel, Sam McNiel, Ryan Tiger, Joshua McNiel and Brian Budniewski serving as casket bearers. The family of James Michael McNiel has entrusted his service and burial to Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home, Fort Gibson. 918-478-2555 Online condolences may be left at clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com

James Michael McNiel

May 14, 1953 - November 25, 2018