James "Dave" Neece

James David “Dave” Neece passed away on January 22, 2025, at St. Ann’s Hospital in Westerville, Ohio. Dave was born on July 5, 1950, in Kenton, Kentucky, to the late James and Donna (Thornton) Neece and was raised in Whitehall, Ohio. Dave was a 1968 graduate of Whitehall Yearling High School, where he was very involved in the music and track programs. He later graduated from Franklin University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. 

Dave married Linda Allen in June of 1973. Together, they raised three children and were blessed with 10 grandchildren before Linda’s passing in December of 2020. Dave is survived by children Brooke (Peter) Winkler, Christopher (Laura) Neece, and Blair (Ryan) Norris, and grandchildren Connor and Molly Winkler, Jackson, Shelby, and Mason Neece, and Rex, Emily, Elise, Ella, and William Norris. Dave is also survived by sister Rhonda Cohan, as well as multiple nieces and nephews. He was blessed to be loved by his wife’s large extended family. In addition to his wife, Linda, Dave is preceded in death by parents Jim and Donna, sister Jeanetta, and nephew, Bradley. 

Dave was an avid mathematician and passionate lover of sports. A Yankees fan since childhood, he rarely missed a televised game. He loved Ohio State football and basketball and hung on just long enough to see his beloved Buckeyes win the 2025 National Championship. His favorite competitions to attend, though, were those of his children. Baseball, football, basketball, volleyball, and marching band competitions; watching his children was Dave’s favorite hobby. He and Linda were very proud of the family that they built together. 

Visitation will be 12-1 p.m. Friday, January 31st, at Wellman Funeral Home, 1455 North Court Street, Circleville, Ohio, 43113. The funeral will begin at 1 p.m. with a graveside service following at Muhlenberg Township Cemetery, 16905 London Road, Orient, Ohio, 43146. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Dave’s memory to the Grove City Kids Association, 4570 Haughn Rd, Grove City, Ohio, 43123. We believe helping other children learn through the love of sports in the same program his children participated in would bring Dave happiness. 

Online condolences can be made to www.wellmanfuneralhomes.com.