James E. O'Neill, Jr.

The Honorable
James E. O'Neill, Jr.
Member of the Michigan House of Representatives
from the 95th district
85th District (1967-1992)
In office
January 1, 1967  December 31, 1994
Preceded by William A. Boos, Jr.
Succeeded by Michael J. Hanley
Personal details
Born May 26, 1929
Saginaw, Michigan
Died December 31, 2002 (aged 73)
Political party Democratic
Alma mater Central Michigan University
University of Michigan
Profession Teacher
Religion Roman Catholic
Military service
Allegiance United States of America
Service/branch 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.[1] 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.[2] 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.[3][4] 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.[5]

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