[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 118 (Friday, June 26, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E578]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF DR. JAMES HENRY NEELY

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                            HON. TRENT KELLY

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 26, 2020

  Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate 
the life of Dr. James Henry Neely, who passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 
at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford, Mississippi.
  Dr. Neely was born on August 8, 1932, in West Point, Mississippi. His 
many accomplishments began at Mary Holmes College High School. He was 
the editor of the school newspaper, secretary of the senior class, 
president of the athletic club and, member at large of the Student 
Council. He then took his successes to Kentucky State University, 
earning a degree in chemistry and a minor in math and French.
  His passion for chemistry and academia lead Dr. Neely to Meharry 
Medical College in 1960, where he received his Doctor of Medicine 
degree. After graduation, he took his leadership skills and medical 
expertise to the United States Air Force. He earned the rank of Captain 
and served as a Flight Surgeon stationed in El Paso, Texas, and 
Belleville, Illinois.
  Dr. Neely's achievements didn't stop there. After an honorable 
discharge from the military in 1964, he relocated to Tupelo, 
Mississippi, to set up his medical practice. He served his community in 
medical practice for 35 years. He was the first African American doctor 
to have full hospital privileges of admitting and treating patients at 
the North Mississippi Medical Center. This was only the beginning of 
his successes in the medical field. He would go on to earn the 
Mississippi Medical and Surgical Award as Practitioner of the Year and 
the Meharry Medical College Distinguished Service Award for 25 years of 
service. Out of all of his accomplishments, however, Dr. Neely claimed 
his greatest achievement was his marriage to Elaine Kilgore for 66 
years.
  Outside of the medical profession, Dr. Neely held memberships in 
numerous organizations including the National Medical Association, The 
Black Business Association of Mississippi, the NAACP, and was a member 
of the West Point Trinity United Presbyterian Church.
  Dr. Neely was not only a prominent figure in the medical field but in 
his community as well. He served as a member of the Board of Directors 
Community Development Foundation. He was involved in Big Brothers/Big 
Sisters, Boy Scouts of America, Tupelo UNCF, Good Samaritan Health 
Services and, St. Paul Outreach Boys Home.
  Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Elaine; his son and my 
friend, mentor, colleague, and Assistant District Attorney in my office 
Brian Neely; his daughter, acclaimed poet and Goodwill Ambassador for 
the state of Mississippi Patricia Neely-Dorsey; his four grandchildren, 
and many other friends and extended family members.
  Dr. Neely's life was one of service, grace, and love for his family 
and community. He will be greatly missed by all whom he encountered. In 
today's world, we should all look towards Dr. Neely as an example of 
how to make desired change by way of public service.

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